Nuri Bilge Ceylan's "Winter Sleep", which won the Palme d'Or at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, was a loose adaptation of Anton Chekhov's "The Wife". The film examined the great divide between the rich and the poor in Central Anatolia, but the life of Aydin, the hotel owner in Cappadocia, was something else. The former actor was proud of what he achieved in the arts, but people would prefer a kind heart. He would learn this hard way after he chose to spend the winter at Cappadocia. This gorgeous rock formation, which drew tourists from different parts of the world, didn't give him any comfort at all.
Chekhov could be Aydin, who struggled with loneliness. It was no secret that he craved the company of his friends during his lifetime, always an amusing host to them. Fans of the author would recall "The Seagull", about an aspiring playwright wanting to get out of the shadow of his mother. She was a well-known actress in Moscow, and his insecurity was driving him to the edge. This was not the Chekhov that his friends knew. If not for them, then there won't be short stories that would seal his legacy.
Portrait of a vain, young man
Chekhov was far from the hospitable host during his younger years. He was a medical student assigned in a remote community southwest of Moscow. He only had small company, which made a huge impact on the young author. Imagine the stories they would share during the heavy snowfall, where it was nearly impossible to go home and have a good night's sleep. His aspirations would be his priority. It inspired him to write "The Young Doctor's Notebook".
The author, who penned different characters from different backgrounds, examined human nature. It could be a painful journey. Aydin, for instance, was a vain figure during his younger years. He thought this was enough to take him places without wondering if his talent was the only reason. This was Chekhov at the height of his literary powers. He could be on top of the world, but he rather lived the moment. He kept in touch with a lot of friends, even squandered his money to accommodate them.
Chekhov's works would still be regarded by many people, and it will be due to the people whom he spent time with. He read their thoughts, even perceived their feelings. It may not be a sight to behold, but it touched them. This vain, young man did.
