Close-Up

Close-Up, a 1990 Iranian film directed by the celebrated auteur, Abbas Kiarostami is a documentary-style production known for its unique storytelling that intermingles the realities of life with cinematic aesthetics. The movie features Hossain Sabzian, Mohsen Makhmalbaf, and Abolfazl Ahankhah in key roles, presenting an earnest depiction of their own real-life roles, reserving surprises with its real versus reel life representation.

The film is based on a true story that revolves around Hossain Sabzian, an ardent Iranian cinephile. He is a man of humble means with a deep-seated admiration for films and, more so, for the celebrated Iranian film director, Mohsen Makhmalbaf, who also stars in the film, playing himself. Sabzian's love for Makhmalbaf's work pushes him into impersonating the revered director to an affluent family, the Ahankhahs, starting a thought-provoking journey that lays the basis of the film.

Kiarostami, being a master storyteller, brings the unorthodox subject matter to life with flair, subtlety, and a deep understanding of character psyche. The narrative entails the irrefutable power of cinema that could lead an ordinary man, Sabzian, to assume a believable alternate identity. The blurred lines between the real and the projected, the actual and the artificially constructed, and the truth and the illusion are beautifully depicted throughout the film, centred around Sabzian's character.

Abolfazl Ahankhah, who plays the victimized patriarch of the Ahankhah family, encapsulates the experience of deceit, remorse, and ultimately forgiveness. Mohsen Makhmalbaf, who becomes an essential part of the narrative owing to the protagonist's obsession with his persona, maintains a stoic presence in the film, offering a different vantage point. Their collective performances results in a rich tapestry that threads fact and fiction into one seamless narrative, causing viewers to oscillate between belief and disbelief.

While Close-Up primarily revolves around Sabzian, it significantly explores the socio-economic polarities present in the Iranian society. Sabzian, as an imposter, lays bare his vulnerabilities, encapsulating his desire to be seen, acknowledged, and admired. On the other hand, the bourgeoisie Ahankhah family represents the rich culture and sophisticated lifestyle that splendidly contrasts with Sabzian's modest existence.

Being true to Kiarostami's style, the film consistently showcases innovative cinematic techniques. The narrative finds its rhythm in the seamless transitions between documentary-style storytelling and conventional cinema. The director wisely chose to recreate real-life courtroom scenes, employing non-professional actors that further blur the boundary between fiction and reality. This technique breathes authenticity into the narrative, amplifying the impact of this compelling true-to-life drama.

The director also uses close-ups as a powerful visual tool throughout, providing profound insights into the characters and their emotional turmoil, hence aptly justifying the movie's title. The camera work is subtle yet impactful, and the minimalistic production design ensures an immersive viewing experience.

Close-Up is largely dialogue-based, throbbing with intense monologues voiced by Sabzian. The painstakingly crafted dialogue captures the truth behind Sabzian's lies, exploring the depth of his personality and the reasons for his actions. At the same time, the echoes of silence in the film are as profound as words, spelling out the character's emotions, dilemmas, and aspirations.

The movie encapsulates a deep sense of pathos, beautifully contrasted with fleeting humorous and surrealistic moments. It traverses through themes of identity, obsession, social status, and the enchanting hold of cinema. However, it always reconciles its themes with an underlying sense of humanism, exploring the universality of desires, and the acts people commit to fulfill them.

In essence, Close-Up is meticulously layered and moves beyond the conventional boundaries of storytelling, with its fusion of reality and cinema. It provides social commentary, delves deep into character analysis, and primarily pays a heartfelt homage to the power and charm of films. This riveting film is a must-watch for movie lovers ready for an unconventional cinematic experience. With its deft handling, Close-Up becomes a minimalist masterpiece, exuding poetic realism and capturing the passion for cinema in an adoring light.