Review of The Traveler (1974) by Matt K — 01 Jul 2010
A soccer-crazed juvenile deliquent schemes his way to Tehran to see a match. This early feature by Kiarostami contains a lot of elements you won't find in his later, more formalist films. Non-diegetic music throughout (instead of just at the end), a more artful, composed approach to cinematography, and even a dream sequence.
I liked it quite a bit, more than I suspected I would. Although not as intellectually intriguing as something like The Wind Will Carry Us or Close-Up, it has an inviting narrative and compelling aesthetic values.
It's kind of Satyajit Ray meets The 400 Blows meets neorealism. Qassem is a very unsympathetic protagonist, but the ending suggests that perhaps he might learn a lesson.
This review of The Traveler (1974) was written by Matt K on 01 Jul 2010.
The Traveler has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
