A still from the movieDirector: Yesim Ustaoglu
Language: Turkish
Clair Obscur is not driven by a plot, rather it’s a character study of two women – a psychiatrist with a long-term partner and a young wife in a patriarchal, hidebound household.
From the outside, Chenaz, the psychiatrist, leads a liberal life – she has a live-in relationship and is professionally successful. Meanwhile, Elmas, the 18-year-old wife, is at the other end of the spectrum and a victim of Turkey’s tyrannical culture.
Forced to conceive at a tender age, Elmas suffers from a nervous breakdown and that brings her to Chenaz, whose relationship is on the rocks.
Though Elmas doesn’t open up in the beginning, Chenaz gradually wins her trust. Slowly, she begins to confide in Chenaz about her troubled past, insecurities and fear.
Elmas’ closeted daily grind is set in contrast with the life of Chenaz, who is in a complicated mesh of relationships.
Neglected by her partner, Chenaz gets into a relationship with a co-worker and it further complicates her life. Driven by suspicion, her live-in partner confronts her. In the ensuing fight, we see the duo abusing each other, physically and verbally.
As she drives away from him, Chenaz is seen laughing and crying hysterically.
The film depicts the stark incongruity of the modern and traditional cultures prevalent in Turkey, both oppressing women in different ways.
The sea is a recurring motif throughout the film. The calmness and violence of the sea highlight the inner turmoil of both the women protagonists.
The cinematography goes well with the theme and helps bring about the dark and light phases of the women’s lives.
