"The Shadow knows."
Let me first point out that this modern B&W film is not for everybody. The slowly developing plot is conveyed through a series of lengthy takes. People are often seen standing motionless or performing mundane tasks, such as reading and eating bland meals. Most action scenes are nothing more than various perspectives of people walking, marching or running in silence. And, it is not until halfway through the film before the story actually becomes compelling. Events reach a frightening climax when a mob of angry citizens ransacks a hospital. However, the viewer must come to his/her own understanding of how or why the tragedy occurred.
As for my interpretation, the film represents the Soviet takeover of Hungary during the post WWII era. It insinuates that the Soviets deliberately provoked social unrest so as to provide a justifiable context for a military takeover. Those who naively cooperated with the Soviets became puppets. Others who opposed the Soviets were either killed or ostracized. The big 'fish out of water' represents the elite members of society, who were rendered utterly powerless and useless.
The story centers around János Valuska, who may reflect Béla Tarr's own misplaced youth. Undaunted by the solar eclipse that will soon overshadow the whole community, the artistically inspired János directs and narrates a performance for a motley crew of intoxicated misfits in a local bar. Trustworthy, caring and respectful, János enjoys a modest yet peaceful existence with his close knit, extended family. Uncle György is another idealist, living in the abstract world of his own musical imagination. Unlike his outgoing nephew, however, György is a reclusive reactionary. A respected pianist, György believes that music has somehow been corrupted by his predecessor, Andreas Werckmeister.
A new exhibit has arrived in town, featuring a great whale and a foreign prince. Apparently, this public demonstration has already caused much commotion in neighboring towns, and once again trouble appears to be brewing. Aunt Tünde tries to organize a committee to restore order. György wants nothing to do with this 'media circus', but in order to avoid confronting his wife directly, he reluctantly agrees to be the chairman. János goes to see the whale and eventually realizes that the exhibit is indeed a diabolical threat to the community, but he still does not understand how or why. And, when all the smoke and debris has finally settled, he is left even more clueless than he had been to start.
Let me first point out that this modern B&W film is not for everybody. The slowly developing plot is conveyed through a series of lengthy takes. People are often seen standing motionless or performing mundane tasks, such as reading and eating bland meals. Most action scenes are nothing more than various perspectives of people walking, marching or running in silence. And, it is not until halfway through the film before the story actually becomes compelling. Events reach a frightening climax when a mob of angry citizens ransacks a hospital. However, the viewer must come to his/her own understanding of how or why the tragedy occurred.
As for my interpretation, the film represents the Soviet takeover of Hungary during the post WWII era. It insinuates that the Soviets deliberately provoked social unrest so as to provide a justifiable context for a military takeover. Those who naively cooperated with the Soviets became puppets. Others who opposed the Soviets were either killed or ostracized. The big 'fish out of water' represents the elite members of society, who were rendered utterly powerless and useless.
The story centers around János Valuska, who may reflect Béla Tarr's own misplaced youth. Undaunted by the solar eclipse that will soon overshadow the whole community, the artistically inspired János directs and narrates a performance for a motley crew of intoxicated misfits in a local bar. Trustworthy, caring and respectful, János enjoys a modest yet peaceful existence with his close knit, extended family. Uncle György is another idealist, living in the abstract world of his own musical imagination. Unlike his outgoing nephew, however, György is a reclusive reactionary. A respected pianist, György believes that music has somehow been corrupted by his predecessor, Andreas Werckmeister.
A new exhibit has arrived in town, featuring a great whale and a foreign prince. Apparently, this public demonstration has already caused much commotion in neighboring towns, and once again trouble appears to be brewing. Aunt Tünde tries to organize a committee to restore order. György wants nothing to do with this 'media circus', but in order to avoid confronting his wife directly, he reluctantly agrees to be the chairman. János goes to see the whale and eventually realizes that the exhibit is indeed a diabolical threat to the community, but he still does not understand how or why. And, when all the smoke and debris has finally settled, he is left even more clueless than he had been to start.