Winter Magic

Wow!  This is a remarkable film on so many levels.  It is exquisitely filmed in Cappadocia at the onset of winter.  The faint light of the houses cut into the rock towers illuminates, just barely, this extraordinary landscape.   The interiors, 90% of the film are lit like Caravaggio paintings, revealing the subtle detailing only after your eyes adjust to the warm golden light,  It is a long [3+ hours] conversation between Aydin, a retired actor, now inn-keeper and his extended family, neighbors and tenants.  Aydin is an intellectual and most recognize this if they don't necessarily appreciate it.  Their long exchanges, often bitingly witty and sometimes painful reveal a man a little full of himself and those around him reluctant to take issue with his pronouncements.  Haluk Biliner, oh how I love this man, plays Aydin.  He is absolutely remarkable.  He is the film.  The beautiful Melisa Sözen plays his young wife, bored and self-centered.  Their dialogues are like slices of classical theater, rich, provocative and at times heartbreaking.  Since it has already won the Palme d'Or at Cannes, it is very likely we will see it in our backwater community.  Don't miss it and don't drink too much liquid before it.