Climates

Nuri Bilge Ceylan's Turkish film, Climates, follows the journey of Isa (played by Ceylan himself) after the end of his relationship with his wife (played by real-life wife, Ebru Ceylan). Over three seasons - the summer break-up, the autumnal affair and the winter re-uniting - we come to feel Isa's emotional poverty and his uncertain longing for times past. Ceylan's portrayal of Isa is appropriately muted but cold and the pace of the film is contemplative, at times bordering on arduous. His film requires a great deal of patience; he is asking a lot of the audience and at times, giving little in return. The ending is rudely abrupt and elusive. Ebru Ceylan brings a mystery and warmth to her character that is mostly interesting and the cinematography is frequently arresting but despite this and some terrific moments, the film is too slow for its content. It was difficult to stay focused and interested in these characters and situations for what felt like a lot longer than 101 minutes.

6.5 on the DaveScale.

(dir. Nuri Bilge Ceylan, Turkey, 101 mins)