Certified Copy

Certified Copy
Director: Abbas Kiarostami
Cast: Juliette Binoche, William Shimell

Set in the stunning landscape of Tuscany, Certified Copy follows a couple who appear to have just met as they spend a day discussing life and art while appearing to be getting to know one another. After being mistaken for a married couple in a coffee shop, it gradually emerges that perhaps there is more to this relationship than meets the eye.

With long lingering shots of emotional interaction, philosophical debates whilst meandering through the Italian countryside, and being paced out almost in real time, this is not one for the adrenaline junky. However, once you can see beyond the pompous talk and, at some points, energy-sapping debate, what emerges is a sensitive and well-balanced examination of marriage, sexual politics and relationships. Juliette Binoche as an un-named woman, justifiably won the Best Actress award at Cannes Film Festival for this performance. While often the dialogue takes place off-screen, Director Kiarostami is not afraid to let the camera remain on Binoche, picking up her every emotion and expression, peaking in a wonderful café scene where a single tear seems to sum up a full life.

Dismissing any kind of overt drama, the film is at it’s best when it focuses on the simplicity of a look or gesture, being used to convey the deepest of emotions. Patience is a virtue, and when you manage to stay with it beyond the admittedly fairly boring opening act, that patience is rewarded with a surprising and sensitive story, challenging you to discover what is real and what is fake.

Rating 5/10