An art critic has written a book that commends objects that are replicas, or certified copies, as equally enjoyable as their originals.
But this philosophy comes up empty handed when applied to relationships: Authentic human connection is missing when a marriage becomes nothing more than a certified copy.
From the Lincoln Film web site:
"
CERTIFIED COPY
COPIE CONFIRME | ABBAS KIAROSTAMI, 2010
FRANCE/ITALY | FRENCH, ITALIAN WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES | FORMAT: 35MM | 106 MINUTES
On paper, Abbas Kiarostami's return to narrative filmmaking after a decade of experimental video projects seems a risky proposition: a French production, filmed on location in Tuscany, with a European cast speaking in a mixture of English, French, and Italian. But in fact, this close-up study of a relationship is a dazzling return to form. An antiques dealer (Juliette Binoche) and a philosopher (British opera star William Shimell) appear to meet for the first time following one of his lectures, but soon we begin to suspect that there is more to this couple than meets the eye. Are they in fact husband and wife engaging in an elaborate charade? Or is Kiarostami showing us the beginning, middle, and end of a marriage in something other than chronological order? Nimbly juggling reality with cinematic illusion, and anchored by Binoche's emotionally naked performance (Best Actress, Cannes), Certified Copy is a stimulating and provocative Kiarostami coup."
