听 User Rating 
Music played a huge role in Fatih Akin's startling Head-On, so it's no great surprise to see the Turkish-German helmer dedicate an entire film to the subject. Crossing The Bridge: The Sound Of Istanbul offers a whistlestop tour of one city's sonic heritage, journeying through rock, rap, avant-garde and folksong. With the keynote being diversity, this documentary arguably favours breadth over depth; but it's still an eye-opening portrait, capturing several fine musical performances.
Location is a key issue: situated on the cusp of Europe and Asia, Istanbul has absorbed a great wealth of cultural influences. Thus, as one commentator explains, the city gives the lie to the East/West divide that certain world leaders base their philosophy upon.
"SHEER VARIETY"
But it's the playing that's central here, not the politics. Our host is Alexander Hacke (of experimental German outfit Einstuerzende Neubauten) who, after finding his hotel in the colourful Beyoglu district, lets the acts do most of the talking while he records. One standout is motormouth rapper Ceza, offering such poetry as "one look at me and you're an invalid". Another is actor-turned-composer Orhan Gencebay (check out the cheesy film clips), while there's a stunning solo from Kurdish songstress Aynur. The sheer variety on display helpfully distracts from the film's repetitive structure.
As in Head-On, Akin takes it down for a reflective finish, with veteran singer Sezen Aksu crooning Memories Of Istanbul intercut with footage of the city from back in the day. Signing off, Hacke laments that we've only seen the iceberg-tip, but this is still an illuminating introduction.
In German and Turkish with English subtitles.
