Close-Up

This is movie is so interesting to me because it shows how capitalism and human's self serving nature harms people, but it does so through the lense of the film industry. The important thing to note is that this is all real, it's a documentary. Which is insane, because listening to Sabzian you'd swear he's reading off of a fantastic script. But that's the thing, he's constantly acting and masking his true self even in the trail. I think this proves that he would've had the talent to become a great actor or writer if he had the talent. Unfortunately, film along with most other art forms are (mostly) reserved for the rich and well connected. This aspect of his character allows the audience to really relate to him, we all have passions we were unable to pursue. The only time I think he stops acting is when he sees the director he impersonated. Another interesting aspect of the movie is how similar the wealthier family are kind of a mirror of Sabzian. When they saw him as high status they similarly were quick to latch onto him as he did to them. The son in the courtroom said that it would do him good if he got a job, as if any of them are employed either. This again reinforces how powerful film is and how unfortunate how innaccecible it is. Sabzian uses art as escapism to prevent himself from taking responsibility for his outcomes. He ignores his job and family as a result. I think this is one of the greatest societial critques of all time. It's similar to Parasite, but I think this is the stronger movie because of how grounded and real it is.