Toll Booth

Toll Booth is a Turkish drama-comedy film that was released in the year 2010. The movie was directed by the renowned director, Tolga Karaçelik, and stars talented actors like Serkan Ercan, Zafer Diper, and Nur Fettahoglu, whose performances enhance the depth of the plot and embody the essence of the characters they portray.

The movie introduces us to the life of newly recruited toll booth officer Kenan (played by Serkan Ercan), affording us a glimpse into the monotonous life of a toll booth operator. Kenan, a man in his mid-thirties, is characterized as a somewhat introverted and socially awkward individual, who leads a lonely life in the company of his ailing father. His life's turmoil is magnified in the relatively small space of the toll booth where he works, leading to an often monotonous routine of collect toll fee from motorists. However, these seemingly ordinary exchanges with the commuters become noteworthy because his kiosk is the dramatic focal point of the film, and each commuter passing through acts as a brief episode of human interaction in Kenan's life.

As the storyline unfolds, we see that Kenan, like any other human being, has his share of dreams and aspirations, but he is lacking the courage and the means to fulfill them. His stagnant life gets a glimmer of hope when he crosses paths with a woman named Murat (played by Zafer Diper). Murat, a complete contrast to Kenan's character, is bold, outgoing, and fun-loving. The striking differences between their personalities and lifestyles form a fascinating backdrop to the plot of the movie.

Nur Fettahoglu, who plays Kenan's love interest - Secil, is a symbol of the change that Kenan craves in his life. Her character represents a breath of fresh air in Kenan's solitary existence, bringing a sense of romance and excitement. Her spontaneous and vivacious outlook on life and the chemistry between them opens a path towards the transformation that Kenan aspires to but cannot initiate on his own.

The film beautifully interlaces elements of human existence, including love, boredom, loneliness, unfulfilled dreams and the perennial struggle to break free from the chains of mundanity. Despite the film's modest setting, the plot manages to touch upon these universal elements of human life, thereby appealing to a broad audience.

While the plot appears simple on surface, it carries beneath it a profound exploration of human emotions and existential angst. The noteworthy cinematography and visually appealing scenes highlight the director's fine attention to detail. Each frame is meticulously crafted to complement the unfolding of the narrative. The toll booth, an otherwise mundane place, unravels to us as a threshold of diverse personas and life stories, and gives us a closer insight into Kenan's life.

The performances by the lead cast are excellent and add a layer of authenticity to their characters. Ercan convincingly portrays the somewhat repressed Kenan with a subtle intensity, and Fettahoglu lights up the screen as the lively Secil. And Diper, in his role as Murat, successfully delivers the complexities of his character, showcasing a range of emotions from humor to consternation.

The film, Toll Booth, is a well-crafted celluloid masterpiece that gives us a sneak peek into the routine life of a toll booth officer, thereby transforming a seemingly uncomplicated backdrop into a beautiful piece of narrative cinema. If you are in the mood for a heartfelt drama with elements of subtle comedy and soul-stirring performances, don't miss out on this cinematic gem from Turkish cinema. Even though depicted through the eyes of a toll booth officer, the story’s themes of solitude and longing are universal, making Toll Booth a film that many can relate to. Trust this film to keep you engaged right till its very end, and to stay with you long after.