Movie Review: Uzak (Distant)

A film like Nuri Bilge Cylan's Distant challenges your assumption of what makes a movie. If you're a fan of Tony Scott's manic editing, steer clear of Distant. Cylan uses the same number of edits in a 2 hour film that Scott might use in 30 seconds. Initially, I found it irritating; the camera recorded characters drinking coffee, watching TV, or more often, just looking around for minutes. I kept hoping Cylan would jump into the shot, thank me for my patience, ensure the preceding was just test shots, and introduce me to a faster paced version of Distant (maybe with guns, a whip set and big breasted women? Am I asking too much?).

Yes, I was asking too much, at least too much from Cylan. His cinematography and narrative are the stuff of minimalist dreams. The story fundamentals? A stoic photographer, Mahmut, houses his melancholy, unemployed cousin, Yusaf (that's what I was going to name my son!), and, hilarity ensues! More like depression and loneliness set in.

Distant demands an open mind. You might begin, just as I did, with expectations. Don't! You'll end up just as depressed as Mahmut. Instead, warm to a different style of storytelling, a realization I made after 30 agonizing minutes into the film. It's visual character study, a silent film punctuated with occasional dialogue. If you can accept that, you'll begin to love the film. Emotional climaxes are secondary, and the character's emotional unraveling primary. A wrenching scene develops between Mahmut and his ex-wife Nazan, or at least we know it was a wrenching scene, because Mahmut sits dejected in the kitchen, and Nazan sobs privately in the bathroom. Cylan examines post conflict reactions, leaving viewers to imagine the conflict.

Finally, about the long takes. They allow for the evolution of emotion. Uncut scenes possess an honesty spliced together ones cannot. Cylan's patient camera captures sadness in development.

I hope I've peaked your interest. It's a story worth your time (I know this is a pitiful conclusion, but I need to mosey, work awaits.).