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Mihály Víg

Mihály Víg

Sound

Biography

Mihály Víg is a Hungarian composer, poet, songwriter, guitarist and singer; co-founder of bands Trabant (1980–1986) and Balaton (1979–present), also known for musical and acting collaborations with film director Béla Tarr on films including Damnation, Sátántangó (where he also played the lead role), Werckmeister Harmonies, The Man from London and The Turin Horse.

Known For

The Rock Convert
7.7

Director Janos Xantus was in the middle of making a video about Hungarian rock star Tamas Pajor when his subject suddenly became a convert to born-again Christianity. As a result, Xantus was able to record the startling transition. Pajor had been a hell-bent rocker, heavily into drugs, and known for a violent temper. We see him become a clean-living, clean-cut youth who sings about Jesus. Xantus had captured pre-conversion tape of Pajor trashing a hotel room and punching his hand through a plate glass window. In one of this film's most effective scenes, the new Pajor, hand heavily bandaged, quietly watches this footage. Rock Terito also has some dramatic recreations, but these add little to our understanding of Pajor. The transfer from video to film was generally effective, but some scenes are murkily lit. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi

The Rock Convert

1988Movie
There Was a Tower: A Portrait of Mihály Víg
6.0

In socialist Hungary, during the early 1980s, underground art flourished. In this often loud, heroic, and emotion-rich world, Vig Mihály, a key member of Balaton/Trabant, represented lyricism, intimacy, and internal journeys. He composed music for the films of János Xantus, András Szirtes, and Ildikó Szabó, and later became the regular composer for the world-renowned director Béla Tarr (and was even given a lead role in the 1994 film Sátántangó). In the documentary film, he speaks about his life, the atmosphere of the era, people associated with alternative culture, and his relationship with them, in an extremely personal and detailed way. We learn his thoughts on literature, music, film, and, in general, the world. He is a relaxed, funny character who is aware of his own limitations, does not deny the darker sides of his personality, but is able to look at his fate with satisfaction.

There Was a Tower: A Portrait of Mihály Víg

2022Movie