David O'ConnellMIFF 2010: Certified Copy/Caterpillar
August 12th 2010 04:49
Certified Copy
A new film from Iranian master Abbas Kiarostami is always a significant event. His latest, Certified Copy, is living proof of how cinema can be substantially elevated through the creation of, what in theory, seems the simplest concept: drama through the art of conversation.
With great dexterity - and almost inconspicuously - Kiarostami puts us at ease with this pair as they discuss a broad range of issues, the true identity and ownership of artworks amongst them. The film's deceptively modest scenario seems likely to fall flat with little variation offered as the film progresses. But somehow, through a very subtle evolvement over time, small details begin to add up, altering the shape of our perceptions.
So much rests upon the chemistry between the two leads and not surprisingly Binoche delivers another knockout, wonderfully nuanced performance. The great surprise of the film is how natural and credible Shimell proves to be opposite her. A virtual first-time actor best known as one of Britain’s leading operatic baritones, Shimell’s casting proves to be a stroke of genius on Kiarostami’s part.
Though this gorgeously-shot, sophisticated, subtly inclusive drama fails to surpass the director's great masterpiece, A Taste of Cherry (1997), it well and truly deserves designation amongst the swarm of runners-up nipping at its heels.
Caterpillar
A grim, one-note but mildly enjoyable film from director Koji Wakamatsu, Caterpillar takes a look at the fervor of Japanese nationalism at the height of WW2. When a soldier, Kurokawa (Keigo Kasuya), returns from war without any of his limbs or larynx, rather than be shunned, he is deified for his sacrifices for the nation and swiftly labeled a 'Living War God'. The rest of the townsfolk have precious little idea what a bastard Kurokawa really is, having partaken in a brutal war-time rape of a Chinese girl, and would probably deny knowledge of his past actions even if they were made aware.
Caterpillar is as much about his suffering wife Shigeko (Shinobu Terajima) as it is Kurokawa. She’s portrayed extremely sympathetically, being devout and attendant to her husband’s every wish inspite of the initial horror she feels when confronted by his physical state. She’s certainly a tough cookie, able to maintain appearances whilst performing the excruciating task of sexual duties for a man whose despicable domestic track record comes to light as well, casting him in an even more unfavourable light. Terajima is fantastic, offering a wrenching portrayal of a woman conflicted by both memories of her husband’s former reign of terror and the natural compassion she feels at his pitiful plight.
Caterpillar’s premise is paper-thin and feels stretched to breaking point at times. Fortunately the convincing lead performance and histrionic but effective approach to the flashbacks give the film moments of over-the-top manipulation that at least confirm you’re watching something authentically cinematic and not a soap opera for the small screen.
| 180 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
Comment by ShaunK
Screen Adventure
I'm really looking forward to Certified copy - I'm a Kiorostami fan and he's finally put a name actor in his film, a very intriguing turn for him.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Both these sound worth a look and have been added to my ever growing must see list.
Comment by David O'Connell
Screen Fanatic
As for Certified Copy, I actually went in with lowered expectations after reading some less than flattering reviews but I really loved it. The art of intelligent, fascinating conversation in cinema is alive and well!
Thanks JD, any Kiarostami is well worth a look.
And for a time during MIFF I did feel more machine than man!!
Comment by ShaunK
Screen Adventure