How dangerous it is to dream and not work: the film “Between a Dog and a Wolf” by Murat Düzgunoglu

Turkish director Murat Düzgünoğlu presented his film “Between a Dog and a Wolf” (Köpekle Kurt Arasinda) in the Main Competition of the Moscow International Film Festival. The Status Symbol magazine talks about the film and the director.

Düzgünoglu is not the first time in Russia. His works “Why can’t I be Tarkovsky?” and "Halef" were shown in Moscow and were highly praised by critics. Düzgunoglu's paintings are distinguished by a thoughtful attitude towards people and a special lyricism of the narrative, however, the new film is more dramatic than the others. Although in the film “Between a Dog and a Wolf” the viewer will certainly be fascinated by the dream scenes with horses.

The master came to the 46th Moscow International Film Festival with the film “Between a Dog and a Wolf,” which begins with a conversation between a young man, Orhan, and an almost pensioner, Izzet. Both at one time came to conquer Istanbul from the village, however, their plans were not crowned with success. Izzet is a hard worker of the “old school”. His parents taught him to work. Orhan is like Ivanushka the dreamer: “If only my father would leave me some money! I would have opened my own business, but it didn’t work as it should, I worked all my life...” I just want to answer him: “With other people’s money, everyone will open their own business!” Orhan quickly got tired of the hard work in the zoo caring for animals, he was lazy, and even girls quickly bored him... Izzeta reproaches Orhan for laziness... Unable to restrain himself, Orhan became offended and killed his old friend. The police are looking for the killer, but cannot prove the involvement of Orhan, who continues to walk, wander, look for himself... Even his ex-girlfriend Asli, who is “tired” of him, leads a more meaningful life, takes care of his mother, strives to start a family... “How have wolves turned into dogs?...” asks Orhan during a visit to the zoo. In the film, the director hints: evolution seems to be taking a reverse course: are all people still people?

Photo: fikirtepe film