Cast
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Muzaffer Özdemir
as Mahmut
Mehmet Emin Toprak
as Yusuf
Zuhal Gencer
as Nazan (as Zuhal Gencer Erkaya)
Nazan Kesal
as Lover (as Nazan Kırılmış)
Feridun Koç
as Janitor
Fatma Ceylan
as Mother
Ebru Ceylan
as Woman (as Ebru Yapıcı)
Bahattin Serter
as
Nazlı Aydın
as
Engin Hepsev
as
Ercan Kesal
as
Aslı Orhun
as
Ahmet Bugay
as
Arif Aşçı
as
Cemal Gülas
as
Crew
Director
- Nuri Bilge Ceylan
Writer
- Nuri Bilge Ceylan
Producer
- Nuri Bilge Ceylan
Reviews
griggs79
_Uzak_ struck me as a quiet, contemplative look at loneliness—not just being alone, but that more profound kind of isolation you can feel even when someone’s right there. I admired Ceylan’s direction: those long, still shots, the wintry mood, the way silence does most of the talking. Muzaffer Özdemir felt totally believable as Mahmut—stuck in his routines, emotionally bottled up—while Mehmet Emin Toprak brought this quiet sadness to his role that stayed with me. I appreciated the craft and atmosphere but never entirely connected with it emotionally. Beautifully made, just a little too distant for me.
Mar 28, 2025
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Distant examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Nuri Bilge Ceylan brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2002, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Distant took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 109 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 2339 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2002, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Distant shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Edge, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Distant offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Net 2.0 and The Water Diviner explore similar territory, Distant stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 20, 2002
- Runtime: 1h 49m
- Revenue: $767,337
