Close Up is an intriguingly original film, brilliant in its idea and radical in its execution. It takes as its starting point a real event: the arrest of a young man accused of impersonating a well-known filmmaker. The film riffs off this event, exploring (amongst other things) the relationship of life to art, and the power of cinema to create and represent identity. Close Up is a sensational,memorable multi-layered film.
rated R. Violence, language, drug use, brief nudity. 98 mins. Iran 1990.
Bridget Ikin is an independent film producer, known mostly for her personal and adventurous drama choices. Her credits include Jane Campion’s An Angel At My Table, Alison Maclean’s Crush, and Sarah Watt’s two features, Look Both Ways and My Year Without Sex. Bridget is currently completing the documentary feature, Sherpa, with Jen Peedom directing.
The Guardian interview – Abbas Kiarostami: http://www.theguardian.com/film/2005/apr/28/hayfilmfestival2005.guardianhayfestival
"It's like being in a stuffy room and opening a window. You let the air come in and then you breathe. In my mind, our dreams are windows in our lives – and the significance of cinema is in its similarity to (opening) this window." – Abbas Kiaostami
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