Certified Copy

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• Lori Huck | March 15, 2011Reply

  In “Certified Copy,” celebrated Iranian writer/director Abbas Kiarostami (“Taste of Cherry”) plays with the philosophical idea of “copies” and whether they are any less important than an original. Beautifully playing into this theme are stars Juliette Binoche, who for her performance as Elle won Best Actress Award at Cannes, and well-known opera singer William Shimell in his film debut. In his first feature made outside of Iran, Kiarostami continues to explore his oft-used themes of image, reflections and their relationship between fiction versus realism. Fans looking for a film full of symbols, intriguing compositions and continued questions of what is exactly real in this couples’ past, will be riveted in trying to solve its message. Those looking for a simple adult love story set against the backdrop of Tuscany, may feel frustration and that of being “tricked” with the director’s vision. No matter what side of the theatre aisle you’re on, credit must be given to Kiarostami’s handling of his subject of “certified copies.” It’s easy to relate to duplicates or forgeries in paintings and sculptures. It’s less obvious when thinking about a copy in terms of a human attitude or philosophically what constitutes a marriage. From the film’s start we’re introduced to the subject of “copies” as we stare dead-on at a book translated from the English “Certified Copy.” A few moments later we meet its author, James Miller. As he lectures, we take on Miller’s point-of-view; it’s as if we’ve become a replica of Miller delivering his speech. This cinematic technique is repeated often – Elle and Miller often argue their beliefs on art, life and the meaning of marriage directly into the camera. We’re drawn in as if participants to the conversations or fights. “Certified Copy” calls to mind a film with an equally passionate following of lovers and haters – the 1961 Alain Resnais film, “Last Year at Marienbad.” Extraordinary or divisive, realistic or infuriating, you’ll have to see “Certified Copy” for yourself to make your decision. Rating C+ (Lori Huck/Examiner.com)