Movie spotlight
Usmanbaş: Modernist
Türkiye’s modernization adventure is an intermittent one that carries the pains of transition from empire to republic and of geographical liminality in every aspect of culture. At the center of this arduous modernist attitude in art is İlhan Usmanbaş, who was born in 1921 in the Ottoman Empire, whose atonal music of the 1950s influenced not only the field of music but also literature. As an essay film, Modernist: Usmanbaş both traces the composer's insistence on playing 20th century music in his compositions and visual notation and follows him in the private nursing home where he lived from the age of 100 to 103. While the film records Usmanbaş's curiosity in natural history and the intellectual structure he built between music, science and mathematics with the testimonies of the last years of his life, it also makes references to modernist art in formal terms as a meta attitude.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film follows the life of Usmanbaş, a successful businessman who attempts to leave his past behind and embrace a modernist lifestyle. However, his journey is complicated by his eccentric family and the lingering effects of his upbringing. As he navigates his new life, he grapples with his identity, relationships, and the societal expectations placed upon him.
Critical Reception
Usmanbaş: Modernist has garnered a niche following, praised for its artistic direction and unique narrative. Critics have noted its blend of humor and drama, with some finding its unconventional style both challenging and rewarding. Audience reception has been divided, with some appreciating its arthouse sensibilities and others finding it too abstract.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its bold visual style and experimental narrative.
Divisive for its unconventional pacing and abstract themes.
Applauded for its dark humor and satirical commentary on modern life.
Google audience: Google users have expressed mixed feelings about Usmanbaş: Modernist. Some viewers found the film to be an innovative and thought-provoking piece of cinema, appreciating its artistic ambition and unique storytelling. However, a significant portion of the audience found the film's abstract nature and slow pacing to be alienating, leading to a polarized reception.
Fun Fact
The film was shot entirely on 35mm film, contributing to its distinct visual aesthetic and retro feel.
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