Watch Somersault in a Coffin

Somersault in a Coffin is a Turkish film directed by Derviş Zaim, which delicately weaves a narrative around the life of a homeless man struggling to survive on the streets of Istanbul. While the film was made in 1996, its themes are immersive and timeless, speaking volumes about the human condition and the struggle for dignity amidst poverty. The film stars Ahmet Ugurlu, Tuncel Kurtiz, and Aysen Aydemir, who deliver captivating performances that bring depth and realism to their characters.

The movie follows the story of Mahsun, played by Ahmet Ugurlu, a homeless man who wanders the streets of Istanbul seeking shelter and sustenance. Mahsun lives on the fringes of society, a silent witness to the bustling life of a city that seldom pauses to recognize his existence. He survives through petty theft, his primary targets being cars that he sleeps in and occasionally drives around before returning them undamaged. Despite living a life marked by deprivation and hardship, Mahsun retains a certain dignity and innocence, his circumstances failing to completely harden his character.

Tuncel Kurtiz portrays another homeless man, an older and perhaps wiser comrade-in-arms to Mahsun. His presence in the film serves as a reflection on the shared experiences of those forgotten by society, poignantly illustrating the communal bonds that form among those living on the edge. The character portrayed by Kurtiz acts as a foil to Mahsun, providing an alternate perspective on how to navigate the harsh realities of their world.

Aysen Aydemir's character represents another crucial element in this tale, a kind-hearted woman who crosses paths with Mahsun, displaying a ray of compassion that starkly contrasts with the indifference of the wider society. Her interactions with Mahsun add a layer of complexity to the story, revealing facets of his character that might otherwise remain hidden in the solitude of his struggle.

Director Derviş Zaim employs a minimalist style in Somersault in a Coffin, favoring long takes and naturalistic performances over dramatic cinematic techniques. The film's narrative is as much about the internal journey of the characters as it is about the external events that befall them. Through this approach, the film achieves a raw authenticity that engages the audience emotionally and provokes reflection on societal issues.

The title of the film, Somersault in a Coffin, serves as a metaphor for the protagonist's life, connoting a sense of confinement and limitation, yet also suggesting agility and resilience in the face of adversity. The coffin, a symbol of finality and death, contrasts with the somersault, an act of acrobatic defiance. It's this juxtaposition that encapsulates the essence of Mahsun's existence—a balancing act on the tightrope of survival, between the precarity of life and the ever-present shadow of mortality.

The streets and alleys of Istanbul are as much characters in the film as the people themselves. The camera captures the city in all its chaotic beauty and decay, serving as the backdrop to Mahsun's odyssey. The urban landscape conveys the sense of confinement and openness, freedom and captivity, that define the protagonist's world.

Somersault in a Coffin does not rely on a conventional plot structure with clear resolution; instead, it embraces a slice-of-life storytelling philosophy. Each episode in Mahsun's life is a vignette, contributing to a larger portrait of a man and a world that are complex and multifaceted. The film challenges viewers to find beauty and meaning in the mundane and to recognize the humanity that persists even in the bleakest of circumstances.

Zaim's directorial choices lead to an intimate portrayal that is both specific to its Turkish setting and universal in its exploration of marginalization and human resilience. The narrative invites contemplation rather than providing easy answers. With minimal dialogue, much of the film’s emotional weight is conveyed through the actors' expressions and the environmental details that fill each scene.

Overall, Somersault in a Coffin is an evocative and poignant film, a cinematic gem that offers a window into the lives of those whom society often overlooks. It showcases the director's vision and the cast's talent in crafting a story that is quietly powerful and undeniably human. Audiences seeking thoughtful, character-driven cinema will find this movie compelling and its impact lingering long after the credits roll.