You are here:

Somersault in a Coffin

Name: Somersault in a Coffin
Director: Derviş Zaim
Released: 1996
Duration: 76 min

Representation Score

6.5/10

Good

1996

Director

Derviş Zaim

Runtime

76 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Derviş Zaim’s film is a significant work of postmodern Turkish cinema that prioritizes stylistic exploration over broad demographic representation. It succeeds in deconstructing traditional social hierarchies by centering a underrepresented individual within the chaotic landscape of Istanbul. However, the film lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or significant women's ability to drive the story. The narrative structure remains largely focused on a singular, male-driven experience of socioeconomic instability. Ultimately, the work achieves its impact through its nuanced portrayal of class-based identity and its rejection of Western-centric storytelling, even if it does not explicitly represent various identity groups.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Somersault in a Coffin have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers on the protagonist's struggle with homelessness and his involvement with stolen cars. It does not feature any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or narratives focused on non-straight identities.

How does Somersault in a Coffin portray gender?

Fair

The story primarily revolves around the male experience of urban survival. It lacks significant female influence or subversion of gender power dynamics, focusing instead on a solitary male's journey.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Somersault in a Coffin?

Fair

Set in Istanbul, the film offers a localized, non-Western perspective on urban decay. It avoids a Western-centric viewpoint by focusing on a non-Anglo-Saxon urban struggle.

How does Somersault in a Coffin represent religion and culture?

Good

The film challenges traditional social order by presenting car theft as a survival mechanism rather than a moral failing. It questions established institutions through a postmodern, somewhat nihilistic view of urban life.

Does Somersault in a Coffin include disability representation?

Fair

The film does not specifically address clinical disabilities. The protagonist's homelessness highlights socioeconomic vulnerability, but these elements serve more as atmospheric noir components.

Present on Screen

Provides a localized, non-Western perspective on urban survival.
Challenges traditional social hierarchies and capitalist structures.
Offers a nuanced look at class-based identity and the underrepresented.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit LGBTQ+ characters or narratives focused on queer identities.
Features minimal women's ability to drive the story or subversion of gender power dynamics.
Does not provide specific representation for characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Mahsun Supertitiz is an unemployed homeless man who steals cars at night so that he can sleep in a heated place during the winter. Mahsun lives in Rumelihisar, an old section of Istanbul, and makes ends meet by getting the local fishermen to help him. Mahsun loves the cars he robs, cleans and polishes them, and drives them through the streets of Rumelihisar during the daytime.

How are these scores produced? →