Episode #17: Hungary
In this episode, Jhon and Seema take a cinematic trip to Hungary. We discuss the films The Turin Horse (2011) and The Red and the White (1967).
00:00 – 05:26 – Intro: what we know and don’t know about Hungarian Cinema
05:27 – 43:28 – THE TURIN HORSE
43:29 – 1:14:23 – THE RED AND THE WHITE
1:14:24 – 1:23:31 – A TOWN OF LOVE AND HOPE
1:23:32 – 1:36:44 – SENSO
1:36:45 – END – Outro: Further dictations
Trailer for The Turin Horse.
A scene from The Red and the White.
Three Reasons video for Senso
Hey Jhon and Seema -
Just listened to this episode, ashamed to say it’s the first for me. Mainly because it’s the first where I’ve seen both of the featured films (or at least so I thought; looking back now I realize I’ve also seen both the Japan films too… I may have to check out that episode too!).
Loved the discussion of Turin Horse, one of my favorites from last year and almost certain to make my top 100. I also used the word “tactile” and drew a comparison to Jeanne Dielman in my review. I can understand Seema’s reservations about the film’s bleakness. It’s a major bummer, even for Tarr. But I’m glad you both were able to appreciate its wonderful, mesmerizing qualities despite this.
And I’m also a huge fan of The Red and the White! I can’t remember, did you say it slightly favored the Whites? Because I thought it slightly favored the Reds! Maybe I’m mistaken about what you guys said (short memory on this guy). Do check out The Round-Up, it’s just as good. Mini-reviews of both are on my website. I need to see more Jancso.
Haven’t seen A Town of Love and Hope (though I do generally like Oshima) but I’m afraid I have to part ways with you on Senso. I’m one of those guys you talked about who doesn’t care much for Granger, except in They Live By Night. The overacting (a debatable term, I know) by Valli really got on my nerves as well. I just despised her character. A lot of Visconti turns me off, though I quite like Ossessione and Le Notti Bianche and The Leopard.
As for a listener recommendation, I was going to say Revenge of a Kabuki Actor, but I see you recently watched Makioka Sisters so you’re probably not looking for any more Ichikawa. How about Touki Bouki? I’d love to hear your take on it.
- Martin
Hi Martin,
.
Thank you so much for listening
I don’t recall us saying the Jancso film favored one side over the other. You’re the second person to strongly advocate The Round Up to us. So am sure we’ll get to it soon.
Your lack of enthusiasm for Visconti makes me want to curl up in a corner and cry (much like Valli does in the film
) but at least you seem to like two of my favorites by him.
I watched Revenge of a Kabuki Actor last month and liked it a lot. Touki Bouki though goes on the recommendation list and will be watched soon
.
I guess I get where Seema is coming from. The bleakness is pretty overwhelming in this film. However, I don’t think it’s nearly that bleak, disorderly and chaotic as you make it sound. The recurring scenes of dressing/undressing and eating bring this kind of base, formal order to the universe. It’s order amid the whipping chaos of a universe falling apart. Sure, the film looks and feels bleak, but I felt there was a shred of hopefulness underpinning it all.
Or maybe I’m too much of an optimist.