Often intriguing study of a Turkish expat returning to Istanbul for a script editing job, when his rich, successful filmmaker boss vanishes. This disappearance echoes the expats own, having left Turkey for London to escape memories of a tragedy. There is something a bit simplistic in the way things are doubled, with the expat finding a new home, family, even 'soulmate' of sorts, so that the film tries hard to be tricky and symbolic in an arty way to perhaps cover up this simplicity. It reminded me of a Pamuk novel at times, though less obscure, and with a tragic homosexual angle that didn't quite cinvince me, nor did the hero's return to writing. The performances are fine throughout however, with lots of good silent acting and memorable characters well cast. I also enjoyed the settings of the filmmaker's house, a party scene in a high rise with a seedy bald gay writer who comes across as creepy as the midget in Lost Highway; the filmmaker's family and servants who seemed like real and interesting people, the love interest's husband, who understands the hero's infatuation. I felt like I was meeting real people. There are also plenty of atmospheric views of Istanbul, and the overall pacing and style made this good absorbing viewing, like taking a strange, melancholic holiday there.
Review of Istanbul Kirmizisi
