Close-Up

Structurally what a fascinating, fascinating film. One of the most meta pieces of media I’ve consumed, and really causes reflection on the nature of truth in film. (Can it even truly exist?) It is such an odd blend of legitimate documentary in the court scenes mixed with dramatic reenactment of the past…but with everybody still playing themselves in both parts. This gives the whole thing a very uncanny feeling of being both incredibly raw and close to everything while also being planned and manufactured (even the trial, which is influenced in some part by Kiarostami being there and literally being able to ask questions during the trial!!).  People’s future portrayals of their past selves informs you in a way that a direct interview or live recording at the time never could. In giving people the opportunity to editorialize their own past, it opens up a very interesting space to say a lot unintentionally. Everybody both in front of the camera and behind it has a narrative and a bias, and it leaves you in an uncomfortable place where it’s unclear who you can trust, if anybody. Also, I appreciated the editing style of this greatly. Sparse cuts let you sit with the actors/subjects a lot more naturally. The chaotic backgrounds in both the visuals and audio are also awesome here.  Anything I could have an issue with feels almost irrelevant given the format, and I can’t say I’d change much without it tarnishing what this is. I expect I’ll need to watch this one a few more times to really appreciate it fully. Dang what a cool film.