Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by tinear (A) on February 01, 2013 at 08:39:41

a middle-aged professor attempts to win back his wife after being caught in an affair w/the wife of a friend. Rather a common theme, yes, but the treatment is far from that.
Though the fact that the director stars in the film alongside his real life spouse is an interesting occurrence, it isn't really germane to the enjoyment: Ceylan creates enough mystery to keep the viewer off-guard, i.e. why does he want to get back together? What does she see in this self-centered fellow? Not just the questions, mind you, but subtle hints at the answers may be there, if you look closely enough, pay close enough attention.
The film features two scenes that, had they been in a Western film w/wide release, would have become legendary; one involving an accident, another an encounter (yes, reminiscent of one in "Last Tango in Paris") in an apartment.
If you enjoy the lacerating films of Bergman, you will like this one. It looks like Antonioni in some respects, yes, but it also lays bare the human heart as did the Swede.
The cinematography, as always in his films, is great and the sites of the ancient temples provide a counterpoint to the human drama enacted within their ruins.

Edits: 02/01/13