I think there’s no real answer. Each viewer will react differently. The first of his films I saw was “Werckmeister Harmonies” which was good introduction for me.
I haven’t seen “The Turin Horse” but if you’re more intrigued by that one, why not start with where your interests lie?
Yeah just pick one. If you don’t like it, then you probably won’t like any.
The Man From London is now on DVD. I would suggest that one (it’s the only one that didn’t require massive amounts of coffee to sit through).
if you haven’t seen any of his films, and your only guide is that trailer you saw, I recommend you to first search some info about the director. believe me, in the trailer the movie looks intriguing, but if you’re not prepared for what you’re going to see, it will just look like two people peeling potatoes for two hours.
But Satántángo is a really good experience as a film although it is 7:30 hours long. I really enjoyed this last one. good luck
man from london is also streaming on netflix if that helps
Everyone likes Werckmeister Harmonies. If you start with that and don’t like it then Bela Tarr’s probably not for you.
^And by “everyone”, Scampi means everyone except me.
I didn’t get that movie at all.
Watch Damnation next.
Damnation was my first, and it’s an incredibly skillful and beautiful film. It will prepare you for every Tarr film to come after that.
I think Damnation is a good intro as well. After that, besides Satantango, makes sure to see Almanac of Fall.
I think its a great film, but it might not be his most accessible.
I think A Londoni Ferfi and Werkmeister Harmonies might be better choices due to the fact that they are a bit more ‘plot driven,’ lets say. They will be easier to make it through. Some people won’t have the patience to make it through Turin Horse. At least for the average filmgoer, I would say try one of these 2. But if you are asking about Bela Tarr you probably aren’t an average filmgoer, so you may appreciate Turin Hourse just as much.
Also, not sure if yo want to watch his final film first. It may be a better idea to get acquaineted with his other works before seeing what he chose to leave us with.
I also think Satantango is a bit intimidating due to its length, but otherwise I think it is pretty accesable. Maybe others will disagree. It took me a month to finish it, but it was a great experience nonetheless.
I mean there are some films he made prior to Damnation that would be “easier” in certain aspects but since everyone is talking about the films he made starting with Damnation when addressing his importance and greatness I would suggest you should start there. Just watched it again recently and it doesn’t seem to be such a wrong way to dig yourself through his films I think.
Well I haven’t seen any other Tarr picture beyond Satantango—and it was a very good experience. My next Tarr film will be, I believe, Werckmeister—some videos in YouTube suggest a good film (a discussion about philosophy done in one single shot was very intriguing).
Turin Horse not called me so much attention—especially when I read a critic in a site back here in Brazil. But, you know: It is Tarr.
I wouldn’t exactly call Werckmeister Harmonies an easy film though.
Thanks everyone for the respones!
filmlife
Hi…..I just saw the trailer for the Turin Horse and it looks great. Would you recommend this or another film as my first bela tarr film?
Thanks:)