Hungarian filmmaker Béla Tarr, known for his distinct cinematic style, has died at the age of 70.
The Hungarian Filmmakers' Association announced his passing on Tuesday, citing a serious illness, but provided no further details.
Early Life and Career
Born in Hungary in 1955, Tarr's filmmaking career began in 1979 with his debut feature, "Family Nest." He directed a total of nine feature films, concluding with "The Turin Horse" in 2011. His 1988 film, "Damnation," premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and marked his initial global recognition, establishing him on the international film festival circuit.
Cinematic Style and Acclaim
Tarr's films are characterized by black-and-white cinematography and extended takes. His 1994 film "Sátántangó," an adaptation of a novel by frequent collaborator László Krasznahorkai, is notable for its seven-and-a-half-hour runtime. This film contributed significantly to the 'slow cinema' movement.
His 2000 film, "Werckmeister Harmonies," co-directed with Ágnes Hranitzky, was another adaptation of a Krasznahorkai novel. The two-and-a-half-hour film, composed of 39 shots, further demonstrated his distinctive use of long takes. Both "Sátántangó" and "Werckmeister Harmonies" received critical acclaim and were recognized within arthouse cinema circles. Directors such as Jim Jarmusch and Gus Van Sant cited Tarr as an influence.
Actress Tilda Swinton starred in Tarr's 2007 film "The Man from London." His final film, "The Turin Horse" (2011), earned the Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Later Years and Activities
Following his retirement from filmmaking, Tarr established film.factory in 2013, an international film program at the Sarajevo Film Academy. He taught there for four years, with guest educators including Tilda Swinton, Gus Van Sant, Jim Jarmusch, Juliette Binoche, and Gael García Bernal.
Later in his life, Tarr participated in various artistic projects, including an exhibition at a film museum in Amsterdam. He maintained a politically outspoken stance, expressing criticism of nationalism and the Hungarian government under Viktor Orbán.