Silver Õun: how to cope with the world left behind by Béla Tarr?
This article by Silver Õun reflects on the cinematic style of Béla Tarr, highlighting the significance of his minimalist dialogue and slow cinema approach, and questioning the value of watching his films today.
Silver Õun writes about the unique cinematic approach of Béla Tarr, a revered filmmaker known for his slow cinema style which often lacks dialogue and traditional storytelling. The article opens with a contemplation of time spent watching Tarr's films, such as "The Turin Horse" and "Sátántangó", and reflects on the existential questions these movies raise about life and their perceived meaning.
A significant focus of the article is on how Tarr's films challenge viewers to engage with time and narrative differently, encouraging deeper thought beyond plot-driven cinema. Õun raises questions regarding the relevance of rewatching Tarr's works today, especially given the changing landscape of film and shifting audience preferences. He delves into whether there is still value in these artistic expressions or if they are rendered obsolete in today's fast-paced media environment.
The piece ultimately serves as an exploration of how Béla Tarr's works provoke a reflection on cinematic experience and the nature of storytelling itself, inviting readers to reconsider their engagement with art and the implications of slower, more contemplative cinema in a world increasingly dominated by rapid content consumption.