Certified Copy (Movie)
Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami's first feature-length film, Certified Copy, is not quite an ode to marriage. It's a fascinating look at how something you admit is fake can become more real than the original.
The film begins with a lecture in Tuscany, Italy, by British author James Miller (William Shimell) on authentic artworks. Juliette Binoche's character, an unnamed antiques dealer who quickly develops a crush on Miller, leaves the lecture early, but arranges to meet him afterwards.
They travel to the town of Lucignano where, after being mistaken for a married couple by the owner of a cafe, the two decide to act as if they are. And they gradually become involved in the story of their imaginary marriage.
It reaches a point where the audience is confused about their relationship, reflecting the issues of authenticity discussed in Miller's lecture.
Kiarostami's direction is minimalist, with lingering shots that allow viewers to focus on every word spoken by the characters.
Towards the end of the film, all attempts to make sense of the couple's relationship prove pointless, and the audience is encouraged to simply enjoy each scene as it unfolds in the setting Tuscan sun.
