Béla Tarr, Agnes Hranitzky
Werckmeister harmóniák - The Last Take
A haunting allegory of societal collapse, where cosmic order gives way to human fear and violence.
In a remote Hungarian town, daily life is disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious traveling circus featuring a giant whale and the unseen figure of “the Prince.” Young dreamer János Valuska watches as fear, rumor, and collective hysteria begin to erode social order. As violence escalates, moral and political structures quietly collapse. Béla Tarr crafts a hypnotic meditation on chaos, power, and the fragility of civilization.
Set in a bleak industrial wasteland, Damnation follows Karrer, a man consumed by longing, jealousy, and emotional stagnation. Trapped in a doomed love triangle, he searches for meaning in relationships marked by betrayal and despair. The oppressive landscape mirrors his inner emptiness. Béla Tarr presents a somber study of isolation, desire, and spiritual decay.
The Last Take - Béla Tarr
Filmhuis Den Haag presents a special screening of Damnation and Werckmeister Harmonies in remembrance of the late Hungarian master Béla Tarr (1955–2026), who passed away on January 6, 2026 after a long illness. Tarr was one of the 21st century’s most visionary filmmakers, known for his stark black-and-white imagery, hypnotic long takes, and profound explorations of existential despair and social decay. These landmark films exemplify his unique cinematic language and enduring influence on global arthouse cinema. As part of The Last Take program, we invite audiences to experience his uncompromising and deeply humane vision on the big screen. Join us in honoring a filmmaker whose work redefined the rhythm and purpose of cinema itself.