Abbas Kiarostami
In Certified Copy, English author, James (William Schimmel), questions: ‘Can art ever be authentic? Or are our galleries filled with copies?’
At first glance this film seems a little inauthentic, because it rejects many of the director’s mannerisms. It’s not filmed in Iran, it’s predominantly set in a scenic town in Tuscany. And, there is no use of non-professional actors or actresses, rather we have a beautiful Juliette Binoche, who plays Elle, clad in nothing less than Lanvin.
The entire storyline debates the authenticity of art, which leads to a strange forgery of emotions. The audience is eased into what is once an interesting cultural stance to questioning whether the quick and passing emotions of the protagonists’ are artificial or not.
As the perplexing plot continues, we watch Elle and James drive through country roads in Tuscany, walk down narrow winding streets, enjoy weddings, food and discuss art in depth. Although Italy isn’t Kiarostami’s forte, Certified Copy certainly is a love letter to the country.
Certified Copy
director ABBAS KIAROSTAMI
year 2010
director of photography LUCA BIGAZZI
cast JULIETTE BINOCHE, WILLIAM SHIMELL, JEAN-CLAUDE CARRIÈRE, AGATHE NATANSON and GIANNA GIACHETTI
words PRIYESH PATEL
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