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Miklos Jancsó

Miklós Jancsó was a Hungarian filmmaker recognised for his groundbreaking and unique approach to cinema. Throughout his career, he became synonymous with long, unbroken takes, intricate choreography, and a poetic style of storytelling. While he made numerous films, many consider The Round-Up and The Red and the White as some of his masterpieces, reflecting his unique style and a vision that many critics and audiences have lauded over the years.

His films often delved into themes of history, tyranny, and the human capacity for both cruelty and resistance. His works frequently touched upon Hungary’s tumultuous past, weaving historical narratives with contemporary concerns while illustrating the cyclical nature of oppression and rebellion. The Round-Up, for instance, portrays the brutal suppression of Hungarian revolutionaries in the 1860s, using it as a lens to comment on totalitarian regimes of the 20th century. Another recurrent motif was his exploration of identity, both personal and national, and the masks people wear, either voluntarily or imposed by external forces.

Jancsó was a master of choreographing complex, extended shots, turning his film scenes into almost theatrical productions. This unique style became his signature, where he would often craft an entire scene in a single take, allowing for a fluid and immersive experience for the viewer. In films like Elektreia and Silence and Cry, this choreography becomes particularly evident as the camera weaves seamlessly through characters and settings, capturing the essence of a moment in one uninterrupted motion. This approach not only showcased Jancsó’s technical prowess but also emphasised the thematic and emotional weight of his narratives.

Miklos Jancsó (1921 – 2014)

Calculated Films:

  • The Round-Up (1966)
  • The Red and the White (1967)

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Miklos Jancsó’s Top 5 Films Ranked

1. The Round-Up (1966)

Genre: Period Drama, Political Drama

2. The Red and the White (1967)

Genre: War, Period Drama

3. Red Psalm (1972)

Genre: Political Drama, Period Drama, Music

4. Silence and Cry (1967)

Genre: Political Drama

5. Electra, My Love (1974)

Genre: Tragedy

Miklos Jancsó: Themes and Style

Themes:

  • Historical and Political Commentary: Many of Jancsó’s films delve into Hungary’s turbulent history, drawing parallels between past events and contemporary sociopolitical issues. His narratives often depict power struggles, authoritarian rule, and the individual’s position in these systems.
  • Human Nature and Morality: His films explore the darker facets of human nature, particularly when individuals are placed under duress or in positions of power. The moral dilemmas and ambiguities of such situations are central themes.
  • Resistance and Rebellion: Characters in Jancsó’s films often grapple with decisions about conforming to or rebelling against oppressive systems. The cost of resistance, both personal and collective, is a recurring topic.

Styles:

  • Long Takes: One of the most defining characteristics of Jancsó’s filmmaking is his use of extended, unbroken takes. These shots often involve intricate choreography and can last several minutes, immersing the viewer in the unfolding drama.
  • Expansive Landscapes: The vast Hungarian plain is a frequent backdrop in his films, symbolising both the beauty and the isolation of the country’s history.
  • Ritualistic Patterns: Especially in his later works, Jancsó employed repetitive and ritualistic sequences. These patterns, sometimes accompanied by minimal dialogue, create an almost hypnotic effect.
  • Symbolism: Jancsó’s films are replete with symbols, often drawing from Hungarian folklore, Christian imagery, and revolutionary iconography. These symbols serve as metaphors for broader sociopolitical themes.

Directorial Signature:

  • Choreographed Camera Movement: Beyond just long takes, Jancsó’s camera movements are highly choreographed, intertwining with the actors’ movements in a dance-like manner. This not only adds aesthetic value but also intensifies the narrative’s tension.
  • Minimalism: Jancsó often employs a minimalist approach, especially in dialogue. Characters might communicate more through gestures, expressions, or symbolic actions than through words.
  • Theatricality: There’s a pronounced theatrical feel to many of his films. This is evident in the staging, performances, and even the aforementioned ritualistic elements. It often blurs the lines between traditional film narrative and theatre.
  • Moral Ambiguity: Rarely do Jancsó’s films offer easy answers. Instead, they present situations where the lines between right and wrong are blurred.

Miklos Jancsó – Great Director

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