Word: ossman
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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...brothers, Ossman (Erol Tas) and Hassan (Ulvi Dogan)own a farm with the only spring in miles; their water is vital for the irrigation of the villagers' crops. But Ossman decides to cut off the village's water supply to enlarge his own crops, despite his younger brother's opposition. In the ensuing battle for water Ossman and Hassan are arrested for murder, although only Ossman is responsible. Out of the traditional respect for his elders, Hassan admits guilt and takes Ossman's place in jail while he returns to the farm...
Running simultaneously with their struggle to preserve water in the summer drought is the two brothers' inner struggle for the same woman. Bahar (Hulya Kocygigit) loves Hassan and is even willing to forego the man's traditional dowry payment to marry him. Ossman wants Bahar, not only for his own gratification but for work in his fields. Once Hassan is in jail, Ossman forces himself on Bahar. The film moves slowly towards the brothers' inevitable face-off and an abrupt, violent denoument...
Bahar, too, in her naivete, fails to present a completely convincing character, not because one can't believe her circumstances, but because more is needed of her personal background or of the cultural framework in which the film is set. Ossman is probably the best portrayed of the three, but only because his character is easily accessible; he knows what he wants--it is only a matter of timing and shrewdness...
Despite the film's occasional lapse into stereotype, the photography in Dry Summer and the rich life it captures are worth seeing. Several scenes display a remarkable degree of sophistication, especially the objective-subjective shots that show what Ossman is looking at from his own perspective. They lead you into his character, and then betray any sympathy you might have for him. The close-ups of peasants' faces are remarkable, and the luxuriant music of the bazouki and oud for more traditional scenes are deftly juxtaposed against the modern, atonal percussive mixture for chase-scenes and night shots...