Mihály Víg shared insights into his creative partnership with director Béla Tarr at a masterclass held during the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival.
The event followed a screening of “The Turin Horse.” Víg, who has collaborated with Tarr since 1984, described their first project together on “Almanac of Fall.” He noted that he composes music before filming begins, drawing from the screenplay and an overall emotional impression.
Víg credited shared philosophical views with Tarr and screenwriter László Krasznahorkai for smooth revisions. He highlighted the importance of sound elements such as rain in “Sátántangó” and wind in “The Turin Horse.” Víg also recalled his acting role in “Sátántangó” and defended Tarr’s mild temperament on set.
The composer named “Damnation” and “The Turin Horse” among his favorite scores. He advised audiences on “Sátántangó” by suggesting they watch past the first hour. Víg closed with a phrase attributed to Tarr: “Life is a gift, and it would be discourteous to turn that gift away.”
