Review of Certified Copy (2010) by Phil B — 01 Mar 2011

An intriguing and provocative film. Kiarostami examines the immutability of personal identity, using the clever motif of art works. Is a copy as intrinsically valuable as the original? Juliette Binoche (Best Actress Cannes 2010) is luminous and engaging as the art gallery owner who teams up with a visiting writer (William Shimmell) in town to promote his book on the meaning of authenticity. The two leave town in her car, engaging in a labyrinthine discussion of the topic of his book. By degrees, and almost imperceptibly, he begins to accept the role of substitute husband - a living 'certified copy'. Personal identity has been the subject of many films but Iranian director Kiarostami develops the implausible-sounding premise with assurance and, with Binoche and Shimmell as virtually the only characters in the film, there are no sub-plots to muddle the argument.

This is a film of ideas; even of philosophy. It takes viewers on an interesting journey, moving towards increasing open-endedness and provoking them into making up their own minds about what is real and what is not.