Satantango

I went into Satantango blind. I was skeptical of the 7hr runtime; I assumed it would be a gimmick gluing together something that could be split into three films. I was completely wrong. This is a one of a kind cinematic experience that completely immerses you in its dystopian, hopeless world. The cinematography captures a strange beauty in the most mundane places. The naturalistic long takes build a different kind of tension; you start to feel like you are living the lives of the characters, you dwell in their emotions, you contemplate with them, you slowly sink into their despair. The score alternates between ominous ambient drones and melancholic yet beautiful melodies, adding to the otherworldly atmosphere. Satantango is an experience that is very difficult to describe. It is a slow, dark masterpiece.