Peneflix MOVIE REVIEWS BY PENEFLIX
Oftentimes I have been asked for suggestions as to which movie should “star” in film discussion soirees ; usually I equivocate or give a plethora of suggestions depending on the demographics of the group.
“Certified Copy” will keep the participants in frenetic, pulsating, nonstop- interruption, interpretation mode.
“Certified Copy” is one of the most interesting, entertaining, intellectually -inspiring films of the year. Juliette Binoche (Cannes Film Festival Winner) gives a performance of overwhelming searing beauty, a sensitive portrayal of her deepest feelings: exuding love, passion with her every phrase, gesture, smile or tear. She sizzles and shines with an intense lust for life, thirst for the tinsel, the glimmering silver lining, the ornament, tarnished, yearning for a youthful, energetic refurbishing. There are not enough accolades to depict this miraculous, memorable, heart-breaking, awe-inducing role of a millennium; a certified, genuine, iconic masterpiece.
I will not divulge the scenario, just a few salient points; a circuitous journey through enchanting Tuscany; a museum visit where a “copy” of a painting has garnished status beyond the original; conversation is pivotal; two people meet, engage in legitimate, stimulating dialogue, no platitudes interfere with the content. Repartee,(in three languages) reminiscent of exchanges between Spencer Tracy/ Katherine Hepburn, Clark Gable/Claudette Colbert; it is substantive, seductive, scintillating, titillating; fraught with stale frustrations, diminished desires, seeds of emotional and intellectual discontent. Shadowed by a glimmer of hope, that once was, will rise again like a phoenix, rejuvenated from the ashes of life’s errors.
Written and directed by Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami. Starring Juliette Binoche (She) an antique gallery owner, William Shimell (James) the author of “Certified Copy” a book debating the boundaries between originality and forgery.
“Certified Copy” is a magical, mysterious love story that graciously gifts the viewer the power to determine the value, uniqueness, worth of the original verses the copy. My decision has yet to be illuminated.
FOUR & 1/2 STARS!!!!
For Now……….Peneflix
Just finished reading “By Nightfall”, Penelope. You might check it out as to an interesting take on love, art, beauty and things in translation with words. Came to mind when reading the review of the movie above.
Appreciate the suggestion! Wi8ll check it out! Thank You!
Having just seen “Certified Copy” your 4 1/2 stars are well deserved. Kiarostami’s film is brilliant, and , the dialogue is the most important part of the film, other than Juliette Binoche, who deserves the Cannes Film Festival best actress award.
Excellent review to an outstanding film!
And the photography, the framing of each scene is a work of art in itself!!!
You are a work of art! P.