822. Close-Up

Close-Up
1990
Directed by Abbas Kiarostami

Correct me if I am wrong, but this might be the only Iranian film on the List.  It was quite an interesting find, so I might have to explore more movies from Iran.  If you didn't pick up on my subtle hinting there, I am asking you to leave recommendations in the comments.

Hossain Sabzian is riding home on a bus when day when an elderly woman comments on the book he is reading, The Cyclist .  She says that she loves the movie adaptation of The Cyclist, which was directed by Mohsen Makhmalbaf.  Sabzian, a cinephile, claims that he is Makhmalbaf and is riding the bus home to find new film subjects.  He tells the woman that he wants to use her family for his next movie, but will need money for filming.  On the outside, Sabzian's scheme seems like an audacious ploy to steal some money.  However, it is clear to the audience that Sabzian simply likes thinking of himself as a famous director.

This is a strange film, as it is part documentary, part reenactment, with everyone playing themselves.  It's certainly an intriguing format and one that you have to admire for its uniqueness.  I can't honestly say I was on the edge of my seat for the entire running time.  By the last half hour, I was ready to call it quits.  The driest part of the film for me was the courtroom scenes, although I suppose they were necessary.  The showing is always more interesting than the telling.

Still, one that was worth sitting through.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

In the 2010 Sight & Sound poll, it was voted as the 42nd greatest film of all time.