WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
Morning. The time when we all wake up (or try to, at any rate) and face a new day. What can make these times more potentially special is to have the enjoyment of someone to share it with. And on one particular daybreak, professional hitman, or “cleaner”, Fatih (Mehmet Fatih Guven) has this companionship to relish, thanks to the woman (Alsen Buse Aydin) he has spent the night with. Playfully relaxing over a cigarette and a slice of cake for breakfast, the two banter back and forth, Fatih’s attitude towards aspects of life somewhat jaded, but ultimately sweet towards his love. But despite her advances, he advises work calls, much to her disappointment and clearly no realization of what he actually does.
Driving to an isolated locale with his boss (Erhan Sancar), the two initially engage in some frighteningly casual discussion about “tricks” of their trade and how keeping with the times is essential before Fatih brings up a fact about his boss’ hesitations when it comes to taking out certain targets. While his boss offers an explanation, also emphasizing Fatih’s extra pay for doing the job, they both walk to another room inside the old stone ruin they are at to reveal a hooded, bound figure in the center of it, struggling against their bonds. As Fatih ignores their cries and prepares to execute them, he pauses, and lifts the hood. Now, Fatih’s reality and the decisions he must make will effect not only the victim’s life, but his own.
Next, my Mind:
This reviewer first connected with writer/director Tofiq Rzayev when he offered his first 2015 short film, “The Girl In The Woods”, which was reviewed here. Now, this second project of 2015, “The Cleaner”, is available for public consumption and presents another simple, practical indie film effort that needs to be seen. Is the concept in itself completely original, no. But do not let that take away from the fact that these small films can often exercise the weight of the narrative and “punch” of their themes with no less impact than full length features, yet with condensed runtime, non-cluttered dialogue (honestly, no one is expecting Shakespeare folks), quaint sets, undemanding cinematography, and uncomplicated acting. This film delivers exactly that.
Guven quite honestly plays Fatih with a deeper sense of realism for this reviewer, a more grounded approach to the style of character he’s portraying, as opposed to the often opulence-infused existences of these criminals in film. Not saying he isn’t doing well for himself in the chosen profession and world he inhabits, but to even give him a moment’s pause when about to execute a mark shows a human heart beats even in this hardened assassin. And this is all important since in total, this is Fatih’s narrative. Good supporting work is supplied by Aydin and Sancar and once again, Rzayev shows he has a mind to look beyond budget constraints and make every attempt to put the power of human choices at the center of his efforts.
A special bonus with this review: Mr. Rzayev was kind enough to send along a link to a newly minted pitch reel highlighting his short films to date, which can be found HERE
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
