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Exquisitely
constructed with sensual imagery, mouthwatering meals and
tantalizing rhythms, Hamam (Steam) proffers a
view into the ethereal mecca that is Istanbul, interweaving
the stories of two people who found it necessary to escape and re-invent
their lives.
If postmodern marriage is between equals, Francesco
(Alessandro Gassman) and Marta (Francesca d’Aloja) have been
computer selected. He is slim, tall, charmless, cold. She is
slim, tall, charmless, cold. He is irritable and insensitive
to other people’s feelings. She is angry and sensitive to her
own feelings. They bicker and fight and work for a design
company (their own) in Rome. They fit neatly into the
high-stress, workaholic, image-conscious lifestyle, in
which eating and talking and loving is snatched between phone
calls and client consultations.
His aunt dies in Istanbul, leaving him a substantial
property. He goes over to arrange the sale, staying with the
family who have always looked after the old lady. Despite
inevitable frustrations, he begins to relax and allow the
character of the city to work its magic. Against the advice of
a sleazy lawyer, he decides to stay and do up the Turkish bath
in the basement, thwarting the ambitions of a powerful
developer.
Ferzan Ozpetek could be accused of working for the tourist
board. Of course, he doesn’t, but his film is a redemption
story – uptight Italian yuppie meets warm, generous,
affectionate Turkish people and discovers… himself? The
girls love him, and some of the boys. When Marta comes to
visit, she finds a different husband. Trouble is, she hasn’t
changed.
Ozpetek is a sensitive director. He takes his time. He
doesn’t rush. He allows the natural rhythms to settle and
pays particular attention to food. He is soft and sensual
with his camera. And slow. For all its qualities in the acting
and with the photography, the pace of the film requires a
degree of commitment that may put too great a strain on
patience. .
"…a persuasive and
enticing trip across the Bosphorus"…Time Out
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