Since the movie based on a real story, it will probably remain as a source for Turkish Literature. The film pays a tribute to forgotten poets from the past.
"The Butterfly's Dream" title based on a story told by Muzaffer character in the movie: "One day, A mystic dreamed he was a butterfly. He woke up all confused. Did he dream he was a butterfly or was a butterfly dreaming that it was him?"
With a divine meaning of this story, one can understand that the stories in the movie have roots from the Turkish mysticism.
Film director, actor and also poet, Yilmaz Erdogan, wrote, starred and directed this mournful drama with Hollywood film stereotypes in mind, and that was the main issue, asphyxiating the aspirations of a decent plot, which presented sufficient arguments to be a triumph.
Impoverished but spirited poets, Muzaffer and Rustu, enjoying life, friendship and love, searching for recognition, and fighting against tuberculosis in 1940's Turkey. Both poets, who had the poet Behçet Necatigil (performed by Erdogan) as friend and mentor, will end up finding the love of their lives, until their short happiness be interrupted by sickness and a couple of painful goodbyes.
Some quotes in the movie:
" - A typewriter, Muzaffer. We need a typewriter.
- I can't steal another. It's your turn."
"Every unpublished poet wants to publish a poem magazine."
"I am without patience, You without loyalty"
"First he wants everyone to be German, then he says nobody can exactly be" (About Hitler after listening to his speech on the radio)
"Love is an excuse for poetry."