Filler ve Çimen

FILLER VE ÇİMEN returns to a theme already explored in TABUTTA RÖVAŞATA - the nature of corruption and its effect on ordinary people. Superficially it can be seen as a political satire, with the Minister (Bülent Kayabaş) being heavily involved in drug- trafficking and other nefarious activities, while publicly proclaiming his commitment to the public good. He becomes involved with various gang leaders including Sabit (Haluk Bilginer), and Camoka (Ali Sürmeli), as well as an intelligence chief (Ezel Akay). Inevitably such dealings come to no good, with the Minister meeting a bloody end.

Zaim shows how the media deliberately misrepresents the Minister's dealings so as to put a positive spin on them, and by doing so leaves the majority of the people in the dark as to what really happens in the halls of government. Although released at the beginning of the century, the film's political content remains as significant today: even though the government has changed, the level of institutional corruption, and its deliberate suppression by the media, remains extremely high.

Yet perhaps the film's main interest centers on Havva (Sanem Çelik), a runner who inadvertently becomes involved in the political shenanigans. She tries to look after her crippled brother by working first in a marbling workshop, and subsequently in an eraser factory. Both jobs are significant - in the first, she deliberately makes patterns in water, without actually polluting it. In other words, she is trying to make her mark on the world without destroying it, rather like the Ottoman craftspeople in the past. The job in the eraser factory represents the obverse; she is involved in creating an object that removes all traces of human action, such as writing.

The ending is one of guarded optimism - in the wake of the corruption, Havva returns to her marbling job, suggesting a willingness to contribute to the world in a positive way. Zaim's camera tracks upwards to show the sight of dark spots on a snow- covered landscape, thereby associating Havva's marbling with the workings of the universe. Despite all attempts to suppress her (including being branded a terrorist, even though was never involved in such things), her spirit remains unquenched.

From the very beginning to the end, this movie maintains a rhythm that never falls short. The story is familiar to those living in Turkey, and it's masterfully balanced with a character drama, though unable to elaborate on neither because of too many characters and story details. But it's a rare success for the Turkish cinema, whose films so far were usually made to "amuse the crowd" or to emphasize the overlooked poor peasant life in the East. Filler ve Cimen also has an insight on many social and political issues; but what makes it a success is the uneasy way it tells the story (contrary to the common failure in Turkish films). The symbols are meaningful and offer a whole new perspective, but they were too very obvious to make sure they're understood. But anyway, it's a good movie, one of the best of the Turkish movies ever..

I can't say I fell in love with this movie, but it's different for sure. I saw Tabutta Rövaþata by the same director, and without knowing who directed this one, I could tell the same hands made both movies. That's kind of lame.. Derviþ Zaim, the director, reminds me a little bit of Tom Tykwer in not trying to make anything different. Tykwer, however, is very successful, and Zaim needs to criticize himself a little bit. He is trying to be extreme, outstanding, unique, and stuff like that.. That, he achieves. But his movies are not exactly as good as he'd like them to be. Filler Ve Çimen is certainly a billion times better than Tabutta Rövaþata, but still not excellent. A little less exaggeration could have made it a better movie.. Notwithstanding these facts, it's still worth watching. You might not love it, but you won't be bored either. Recommended..

Too long and mixed up ! look like a Deli Yurek series with out and headliner Kenan Imirzalioglu. i got very boring a specially second half and i wish to finish but did happen... Too long which makes us sleepy. So i was expect level around "Masimiyet" but not even close. i can say easy worse movie of Haluk Bilginer. I can watch Haluk Bilginer 24/7 but not in movie.

The director made the politics, not art. It tells about illegal structures in the state. But he's very confused. There are too many characters. Excuse me, there are people, not characters. It looks like South American political films.