High in the mountains of eastern Turkey a precarious cable car crosses a steep green valley. Whether they float on wires or rest on revolving platforms the people we are introduced to in this film are literally living on the edge.
Extraordinary People is a poignant film which uses striking landscapes as a framework to build a narrative structure that brings together fascinating characters and charming local customs.
Cinematographer Gorkem Ozok brings the wide mountain vistas to life with movement, as vehicles, aerial runways, windmills, dancers and go-carts all trace their patterns across the screen. Complementing the visuals, director Orhan Tekeoglu gives the characters time to express themselves and reflect on life at the fringe of western civilisation.
"Since the nature, the geography of this place is extraordinary, it is not surprising that the people who live here do extraordinary things."
These are serious people committed to local traditions and passionate about their culture. Their thoughtful commentary on life in eastern Turkey is a refreshing alternative to the hectic information overload we face in the west. The central character, Metin Akinci, who appears to be hiding away from the modern world, clearly has a deep affinity with the past and the old ways of living in the mountains. He is a mysterious man who has built his own aerial runway and lives alone in the mountains in winter.
Smooth editing and attractive images help to make this an absorbing film and although the pace is gentle, the characters and the costumes are captivating. Particularly the frail old philosopher, who lives on a cliff, in a homemade shack that could have been designed by Dr Seuss and looks like it might collapse at any moment.
After several absorbing and intimate portraits the director presents a couple of larger events, including a mountaintop festival. The soundtrack here is particularly effective and the local Horon music is accompanied by rhythmic folk dancing. The film swells gently to a charming crescendo as a rural village gathers to watch a group of daring young men ride their homemade go-carts in a dangerous downhill race.