Pehlivan (1964)

Pehlivan (1964) poster

Pehlivan focuses on a three-day wrestling competition, an ancient tradition that dates back over a thousand years to the time of the Ottoman Empire, originating in the games the soldiers would play to entertain themselves in between battles. Maybe that's why there's more than a hint of homoeroticism in the way the wrestlers oil themselves up with grease, making sure to cover every inch of their bodies so that their opponents will be unable to get a grip. Pialat's closeups emphasize the men's muscular bodies jammed together and sliding off one another, posed in intimate, twisted arrangements, struggling desperately for a grip on each other's bodies. Arms are jammed down pants, one of the only places there's some potential for a handhold, and the whole thing is very suggestive and sensual, a form of intimate male contact that's sanctioned as a show of strength and masculinity.

Director: Maurice Pialat
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 13 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Cinematography: Willy Kurant
Production: Como Film
Country: France
Language: Français
Original Language: en

Keywords

turkey

More Films by Director: Maurice Pialat
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pehlivan about?
Pehlivan focuses on a three-day wrestling competition, an ancient tradition that dates back over a thousand years to the time of the Ottoman Empire, originating in the games the soldiers would play to entertain themselves in between battles. Maybe that's why there's more than a hint of homoeroticism in the way the wrestlers oil themselves up with grease, making sure to cover every inch of their bodies so that their opponents will be unable to get a grip. Pialat's closeups emphasize the men's muscular bodies jammed together and sliding off one another, posed in intimate, twisted arrangements, struggling desperately for a grip on each other's bodies. Arms are jammed down pants, one of the only places there's some potential for a handhold, and the whole thing is very suggestive and sensual, a form of intimate male contact that's sanctioned as a show of strength and masculinity.
Who directed Pehlivan?
Pehlivan was directed by Maurice Pialat.
Who stars in Pehlivan?
Pehlivan stars Jacques Gripel.
How long is Pehlivan?
Pehlivan has a runtime of 13m (13 minutes).
What genre is Pehlivan?
Pehlivan is a Documentary film.
Where was Pehlivan produced?
Pehlivan was produced in France.