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Back home in Spain Desi can hardly concentrate-her thoughts are with Yaman. After a regular trip to the doctor she is told that there is a baby in her womb. Yet, it is not her husband's child, he is sterile. Desi is ashamed but determined to keep the baby. Knowing that he cold not have been the father Desi's husband is shocked.
Devastated but proud the couple decides to stay together. Unfortunately, Yaman's son dies days after Desi gives birth. With her life in chaos the beautiful Latina heads back to Turkey looking to forget the drama she has left behind. Yaman accepts her but he is no longer the man Desi once met.
Based on the popular novel by Antonio Gala La Pasion Turca a.k.a Turkish Passion (1994) continues Spanish director Vicente Aranda's fascination with the dark side of love. After his scandalous Cambio de Sexo a.k.a I Want to be a Woman (1977) about a sixteen year old boy who uncovers that he is transsexual and the more conventional but impressive Amantes a.k.a Lovers (1991) about a tragic love affair set during Franco's regime Aranda's highly-publicized La Pasion Turca reinforces the director's image as one of Spain's most innovative filmmakers.
Knowing that La Pasion Turca has had its fare share of (outspoken) critics and admirers I would like to explain why I consider it one of Aranda's better films:
First, it is the Spanish director's careful observation of a woman who gradually becomes obsessed with a man who can communicate with her only through sex. The dramatic collapse that occurs in Desi's life is so powerful it shatters everything and everyone that stands between her and Yaman: husband, friends, and family. Her moral degradation, while presumably in love, is filmed perfectly!
Second, it is the surprising turn of events that follows Desi and Yaman's initial meeting. What starts off as a clichéd love affair quickly evolves into a dark tale about humiliation and Aranda has captured every single aspect of it perfectly. Furthermore, what some see as the film's main flaw, Desi's inability to suppress her sexual desire, I see as La Pasion Turca's greatest strength. Piece by piece Yaman destroys Desi (she realizes it) and the transformation she undergoes, from a normal Spanish housewife to a self-admitted puta, is staggering.
Third, it is the manner in which sex is filmed. During the first half of La Pasion Turca Aranda's camera is jolly, delicate, somewhat determined to seduce and make us approve of Desi's infidelity. Then, suddenly sex becomes dark and ugly. Desi's passion is quickly replaced by pain which in return alters the relationship between the two lovers into a visceral game of humiliation.
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