Distant Constellation

This is Shevaun Mizrahi's first feature film and it very well holds its own as a very interesting documentary. It is very well shot and edited. Although the main characters of the movie are elderly people and they do have a very slow approach at telling their stories, they have very amusing amusing personalities and a great sense of humor. The movie never lets you get bored of its characters as it cuts always at the right moment. It does get slow at some times but it goes very well with the idea of the film. The distortion of time , the inhabitants state of mind and the cold weather seems like a whole new world by itself. Add to that the comparison with the construction site and the young workers makes it so touchable and acceptable. An amazing work of art!

I watched it first at Locarno but wanted my partner to watch it too and was glad to track it down here. The film transfers you to a place that feels like a dream, everything is more sensual and time is open wide and wild. Distant Constellation takes you deeper into an existential space where finally the big things in life matter, our time here on earth and the way we give meaning to the whole journey. The film is very playful yet constantly aspiring for the sublime. I loved the two guys in the elevator, I wish there were more scenes with them, they reminded me of characters in Roy Andersson's films. Very soulful.

I saw this film at its final screening at Locarno this year, and this film deserves every bit of praise that it has received. It's a masterfully-executed documentary that forces one to contemplate our societal conception of aging through Mizrahi's excellent direction. Every interview feels appropriate, the editing is tight knit, and Mizrahi's choices of shots all feel right. The parallels created between the subjects and the construction going on outside the home creates an atmosphere that feels like a dream. At the same time, no single subject seems to overstay their welcome and Mizrahi knows just the right times to cut away to something else to keep the narrative moving. The film is full of life and serves as a well-conceived commentary on (and simultaneous celebration of) aging and Turkish culture.

We see many of the known worsts that aging can bestow upon us in this Turkish retirement center. Yet, although those times are challenging (and perhaps sad) those that reach those ages where time shows its awaiting reaper are fortunate to have had such a lengthy journey.