Close-up (1990) - Critical Reviews

Synopsis

This fiction-documentary hybrid uses a sensational real-life event—the arrest of a young man on charges that he fraudulently impersonated the well-known filmmaker Mohsen Makhmalbaf—as the basis for a stunning, multilayered investigation into movies, identity, artistic creation, and existence, in which the real people from the case play themselves.

Critical Acclaim

When Close-up emerged in 1990, it captivated critics with its innovative blend of documentary and fiction. Directed by Abbas Kiarostami, the film was celebrated for its profound exploration of identity and the nature of storytelling. Initial reviews highlighted the film's unique approach to narrative and its deep emotional impact. Critics lauded Kiarostami’s ability to weave a complex story using real-life characters to explore the blurred lines between reality and fiction, a technique that was considered groundbreaking at the time.

Jonathan Rosenbaum of the Chicago Reader praised Close-up as "one of the best films of the 1990s," emphasizing its "extraordinary" ability to challenge viewers' perceptions of truth and artifice. The New Yorker’s Anthony Lane commended the film's "deceptive simplicity," noting how it skillfully dismantles conventional storytelling. Modern critical consensus reflects the film's enduring appeal, with Close-up maintaining a remarkable 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Contemporary critics continue to be impressed by its layered narrative and the profound questions it raises about identity and the power of cinema.

The lasting impact of Close-up is evident in its influence on both filmmakers and scholars. The film has been frequently cited in discussions about the boundaries of documentary filmmaking and is considered a seminal work in Iranian cinema. It has inspired numerous filmmakers to explore hybrid storytelling techniques, and its themes have been analyzed in film studies programs worldwide. Recognized by the Criterion Collection and included in various "greatest films" lists, Close-up remains a touchstone for its innovative narrative structure and its deep exploration of human nature.