Tag Archives: Abbas Kiarostami

R.I.P. Abbas Kiarostami

Iconic Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami has died at the age of 76, causing shock waves to erupt through the film world, his fans, and the critics who loved him. If you’ve seen just one of his films, you will know … Continue reading

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“The first time I saw Sidney [Poitier] was in A Warm December, the movie I affectionately refer to as ‘Put Your Damn Shirt Back On, Sidney!'”

If you’re not aware of the ongoing series “Black Man Talk,” between two of my pals, Odie Henderson and Steven Boone, then consider yourself informed. And run, don’t walk, to read the archive. These two powerhouse-intellects and writers don’t pair … Continue reading

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January 2016 Viewing Diary

“30 for 30” Chasing Tyson (2015; d. Steve Cantor) I love the 30 for 30 series on ESPN but had never seen this one, the story of Evander Holyfield’s pursuit of Mike Tyson. I’ve got a Tyson thing. I loved … Continue reading

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August 2015 Viewing Diary

Smell of Camphor, Scent of Jasmine (2000; d. Bahman Farmanara). A profound and touching (and very funny) film from Iran, written and directed by and starring Farmanara. It tells the story of a death-obsessed film director who hasn’t made a … Continue reading

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May 2015 Viewing Diary

The X-Files, Season 2 Episode 20 “Humbug” (1995; d. Kim Manners). Mulder and Scully investigate murders among circus-folk. Laugh-out-loud funny, especially Mulder in the fun-house, sliding out of the wall, gun drawn. The X-Files, Season 2 Episode 22 “The Calusari” … Continue reading

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For the Third Time, Certified Copy

First time I saw it at Keith and Dan’s. Three of us watching it in a living room. Second time I saw it at a press screening with about 10 critics in attendance at 11 a.m. in the morning. Tonight … Continue reading

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Review: Certified Copy may look like something you’ve seen before, but it isn’t

This review originally appeared on Capital New York. In Abbas Kiarostami’s Certified Copy, his first film shot outside of his native Iran, a middle-aged couple named James and, simply, “She” (William Shimell and Juliette Binoche) drive around the beautiful landscape … Continue reading

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“How Much Is Real, How Much Fake?”

In preparation for the release of Abbas Kiarostami’s Certified Copy this Friday, please check out this wonderful video essay on Fandor about Juliette Binoche (who won the Best Actress prize at last year’s Cannes Film Festival for her portrayal of … Continue reading

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February 21 – 27: Iranian Film Blogathon

**ANNOUNCEMENT** A good friend of mine died unexpectedly this week, on Wednesday. His wake is tomorrow, and the funeral is Monday, so I will not be available to receive any more Word docs from those of you out there who … Continue reading

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A Unique Copy: On Kiarostami’s Certified Copy (by Bamshad)

Bamshad was born in Iran but his family had to flee the country when he was ten to seek political asylum in Sweden. Bamshad is a medical student in his final years, and spends every second of his free time … Continue reading

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