‘Close-Up’ of Documentary (Illusion vs. Reality)

A nitty-gritty style documentary using narrative re-enactments poses a unique twist to the genre. The film starts out in a very documentary-like feel with interviews (Kiarostami in the prison, his back faces the camera), taking is through the steps of arranging a proper and convenient court date for the Makhmalbaf imposter. Around the time of the actual court screening is when the viewer is left with the question of illusion. I personally felt as though I was watching the long, drawn-out proceedings of the trial as they happen- and not an actual movie. Just as certain shots and footage becomes questionable, the imposter becomes just as mysterious as we are forced to attempt and justify the character’s actions. Why did he pose as an infamous film director to a wealthy family? Is it merely for the love of the cinema or fame and fortune? Should we sympathize or empathize with this character? Then we are served documentary once more on a silver platter as we see the actual crew deal with a sound dilemma. Back and forth, back and forth the film and character overwhelmingly tease us like a cat frantically chasing the holographic dot of a laser. It is fascinating how reality and fiction can overlap consistently within a factual-based film. As far as an underlying theme to tie the events in Iran to the movie, it was not quite as clear to me. If criticizing religion was the goal as suggested in an article about the film The New Yorker, then I did not catch on immediately. The significant religious figure (judge) within the film plays an important role in the discovery of a rationalized resolution for the imposter, eventually convincing the plaintiffs to accept the apology.

The New Yorker: http://www.newyorker.com/arts/reviews/film/close-up_kiarostami

Word Study: Vociferous (pg 674)

vo⋅cif⋅er⋅ous  [voh-sif-er-uhs]
–adjective
1. crying out noisily; clamorous.
2. characterized by or uttered with vociferation: a vociferous manner of expression.

Origin:
1605–15; vocifer(ant) + -ous

Synonyms:
1. loud, noisy, vocal, uproarious, boisterous.