Close-Up

Close-Up offers a layered portrayal of the everyday struggles in Iran, centering on class inequalities, the influence of art, and the human desire for connection and understanding within societal boundaries. As one of the defining films of its era, it examines the tension between reality and fiction. In the powerful final scene, Sabzian, having impersonated filmmaker Makhmalbaf, is released from prison and meets the real Makhmalbaf. Kiarostami’s decision to cut the sound during their conversation blurs the distinction between documentary truth and cinematic artifice, distancing the audience from the dialogue's meaning and intensifying the tension between the real moment and the film's constructed. "I don't invent material. I just watch and take it from the daily life of people around me."

Get the impression that this film was made by the director for himself and himself only, without any consideration towards the audience. The story is stupid and one that only a film director would come up with. Tbh i’d expect this type of indulgence and pretentiousness to come out of the Italian or french new wave. Very reminiscent of the worst of those films. All talk, nothing else. I mean it carries u along well enough, its just a nothing story. If it was any longer than it is it would become unbearable, no doubt. Just another so called masterpiece that would be of no interest to anyone outside filmmaking or criticism. I don’t hate it but i’m sick of mediocre shit being on top 100 lists. U won’t miss anything if u skip it. 5/10