The Turin Horse is a 2011 Hungarian drama film directed by Béla Tarr and co-directed by Ágnes Hranitzky. The film stars János Derzsi, Erika Bók, and Mihály Kormos in key roles. It is a slow, meditative, and deeply philosophical film that explores human suffering, existential despair, and the inevitable passage of time.
This film is known for its long takes, minimal dialogue, and haunting atmosphere. It was Béla Tarr’s final film, and it won the Silver Bear – Grand Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Story and Screenplay
The movie is inspired by the story of Friedrich Nietzsche and the Turin Horse—an event where the famous philosopher broke down emotionally after witnessing a horse being beaten. The film imagines what happened to the horse and its owner after this event.
The story follows an aging farmer and his daughter as they live a bleak and repetitive life in isolation. They face harsh weather, limited food, and an increasing sense of doom. Each day, they perform the same routine, but small changes begin to show the slow collapse of their existence.
The screenplay is minimal and poetic, focusing on visual storytelling and atmosphere rather than traditional plot development. The slow pacing and repetitive scenes make the audience feel the weight of time and suffering.
Acting Performance
János Derzsi delivers a raw and powerful performance as the old farmer, showing his pain and struggle with subtle expressions.
Erika Bók, as the daughter, plays her role with great restraint and quiet suffering, making the film’s themes even more emotional.
Since the film has very little dialogue, the actors rely on body language, facial expressions, and movement to convey emotions, making their performances deeply haunting.
Direction and Technical Aspects
Béla Tarr’s direction is masterful, creating a world that feels hopeless, repetitive, and hypnotic. He uses long, unbroken takes to make the audience experience the slowness of time.
The cinematography by Fred Kelemen is breathtaking, using black-and-white visuals to create a haunting and timeless atmosphere.
The editing is deliberately slow, making the audience immerse themselves in the film’s world.
Music and Background Score
The film’s music is minimal, composed by Mihály Víg. The repetitive and melancholic score adds to the film’s oppressive and somber tone.
The use of natural sounds like wind, footsteps, and creaking doors creates a hypnotic and immersive effect, making the world feel real and inescapable.
Positives and Negatives
Positives:
- Deep, thought-provoking storytelling
- Haunting cinematography in black-and-white
- Powerful performances with minimal dialogue
- Masterful direction by Béla Tarr
- Hypnotic and immersive atmosphere
Negatives:
- Very slow pacing, which may not appeal to all viewers
- Minimal dialogue and repetitive scenes can be challenging
- Bleak and depressing tone, not for casual viewers
Box Office and Public Response
The film was highly praised by critics, especially in art-house cinema circles. It won the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival and was considered a masterpiece of slow cinema.
However, due to its experimental nature and slow pace, it had a limited audience appeal and modest box office performance.
Final Verdict
The Turin Horse is a deeply philosophical and visually haunting film that explores the weight of existence and the inevitability of decay. It is a must-watch for fans of slow cinema and experimental storytelling.
However, for viewers who prefer fast-paced films with traditional narratives, this film may feel too slow and challenging.
Rating: 4/5
