The Roads of Kiarostami

The Roads of Kiarostami is an intellectually stimulating, 2005 documentary film directed by renowned Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami. This cinematic masterpiece is a unique amalgamation of still photography, poetic narration, and minimalist film that beautifully encapsulates Kiarostami's aesthetic vision and creative genius.

The Roads of Kiarostami takes viewers on a journey through Kiarostami's captivating innate connection with nature, especially his fascination with roads. Roads, for Kiarostami, seem to symbolize life's journey, profound solitude, a pathway leading towards the unknown, sometimes presenting danger while at other times offering a path to self-discovery. This is expressed in the film not through screenplay, character development or storytelling but through the skillful use of still photography.

The black and white images presented in the film are Kiarostami's own photographs of roads and landscapes taken over a span of thirty years. These images, coupled with Kiarostami's poetry being read out in the background, take on a life of their own. The rugged Iranian terrains, snow-covered sceneries, and lonely roads drenched in rain or shrouded in the mist blend seamlessly into each other, taking the viewers on an introspective journey.

Kiarostami's reading of his own poetry off-screen brings a beautiful rhythm and symmetry to the visual experience. His poems carry a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty that is reflected in the visuals. Veiled under the simple, profound poems are Kiarostami's introspections, viewpoint on life, death, nature, and his relationship with them.

The soundtrack is a minimalist composition that adds to the contemplative essence of the film. There aren't any traditional story arcs, characters or dialogues in the film. Instead, it's the harmony of the visuals, poetry, and soundtrack that evoke an emotional response from the viewer.

The film also showcases a short video footage toward the end, providing a real sense of transition. The move from still images to moving visuals signifies an artistic shift that Kiarostami would embrace in his later filmography.

In terms of technical finesse, The Roads of Kiarostami is a simple film, stripped of the theatricality and excesses of mainstream moviemaking. Still, Kiarostami proves that simplicity and minimalism can effectively evoke feelings and provoke deep thoughts. His unique style of filmmaking echoes a touch of simplistic sophistication that encourages viewers to slow down in the fast-paced world and contemplate the artistic relationship between cinema, poetry, and still photography.

What stands out in The Roads of Kiarostami is the personal and intimate communication between the filmmaker, his work, and his audience. With careful attention to the minutest detail, Kiarostami has transformed his personal photographs into a visual poetry film, inviting the viewers to peek into his world of creativity and his philosophical perspective on life, and the path it entices us to take.

Though the film was made in 2005, The Roads of Kiarostami is timeless, transcending the borders of language and nationality, thus allowing anyone, anywhere in the world, to connect with it on a deeply personal level.

In conclusion, The Roads of Kiarostami is much more than a traditional documentary. This film is an exploration into the creative genius of Kiarostami, a profound love letter to nature, and a poetic meditation on life itself. Its unique blend of photography, poetry, and minimalist film leaves viewers with lingering thoughts about the intricate relationship between art and life. This film serves as an essential viewing for anyone interested in critically engaging with unique modes of creative expression in cinema.