
Istanbul
Synopsis
All of Pialat's Turkish films are uniquely interested in the country — especially Istanbul — as it was, not just as it is at the precise moment that Pialat is filming it. History informs these films in a big way, with the voiceover narration (which incorporates excerpts from various authors) introducing tension between the images of the modern-day city and the descriptions of incidents from its long and rich history. Istanbul is probably the most conventional documentary of Pialat's Turkish series, providing a general profile of the titular city, its different neighborhoods, and the different cultures and ways of living that coexist within its sprawling borders. As the other films in the series also suggest, Pialat sees Turkey, and Istanbul in particular, as a junction point between Europe and the East, between the old and the new, between history and modernity.
Part of the Turkish Chronicles
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Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Maurice Pialat
- Original Title
- Istanbul
- Country of Origin
- France
- Spoken Languages
- French
- Runtime
- 13m
- Production Studios
- Como Film
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Maurice Pialat
Willy Kurant
Samy Halfon
Department Leadership Roster
Maurice Pialat
Director
Samy Halfon
Producer
Willy Kurant
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Istanbul.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Istanbul
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Istanbul about?
All of Pialat's Turkish films are uniquely interested in the country — especially Istanbul — as it was, not just as it is at the precise moment that Pialat is filming it. History informs these films in a big way, with the voiceover narration (which incorporates excerpts from various authors) introducing tension between the images of the modern-day city and the descriptions of incidents from its long and rich history. Istanbul is probably the most conventional documentary of Pialat's Turkish series, providing a general profile of the titular city, its different neighborhoods, and the different cultures and ways of living that coexist within its sprawling borders. As the other films in the series also suggest, Pialat sees Turkey, and Istanbul in particular, as a junction point between Europe and the East, between the old and the new, between history and modernity.
Who directed Istanbul?
Istanbul was directed by Maurice Pialat.
Who stars in Istanbul?
The principal cast of Istanbul includes Pierre Asso.
When was Istanbul released and how long is it?
Istanbul was released in 1964 with a total runtime of 13m.















