Adapted from a story by Georges Simenon this film is essentially a detective movie. However, filmed in Tarr's characteristic style, in black and white, slow, with a depressing and monotonous soundtrack, the work ends up not being out of tune with the cinematographic universe of the Hungarian director. If the pace is certainly not that of a thriller, the story is one of the most accessible in Tarr's work and the underlying message is consistent with what the author has accustomed us to, an amoral universe populated by calculating humans who live only for the satisfaction of their own interests. Tarr's fundamental disbelief in humanity is not in the least pinched in this light-hearted foray into the detective genre.
Anyone who appreciates the author's skepticism and aesthetic sense will not be disappointed, even though this film is hardly one of Tarr's best. The others will have a slightly easier approach here to the work of the Hungarian, but on the opposite side of a Hollywood thriller.
Anyone who appreciates the author's skepticism and aesthetic sense will not be disappointed, even though this film is hardly one of Tarr's best. The others will have a slightly easier approach here to the work of the Hungarian, but on the opposite side of a Hollywood thriller.