Yes, No, Maybe So: Like Someone in Love
Thursday, April 5, 2012 at 6:57PM Amir here. The semi-official trailer for Abbas Kiarostami’s new film, Like Someone in Love, was released last week. The internet mostly ignored it, except for a few mentions here and there. Kiarostami might be a world class auteur and Certified Copy may have become an arthouse sensation but it seems like without a recognizable star like Juliette Binoche, enthusiasm for a new film by the Iranian director will just not be as high. With a May premiere on the croisette very likely to be announced in the next few days – with one exception, Kiarostami’s last five films have all opened in Cannes – the film is bound to find more attention coming its way. If it is indeed included in the festival line-up with a jury presided over by Kiarostami’s friend and past collaborator Nani Moretti, expect plenty of chatter about the film’s chances of netting the director his second Palme d’Or.
That’s all speculation, of course. For now, let’s apply our usual Yes, No, Maybe So to the trailer.
Yes
Fans of Kiarostami will be delighted to see many of his usual traits in this short clip. The long takes, the quiet spaces, seemingly wordless communication between the characters and most importantly, the emphasis on cars as the story space brings back good memories. Could the car scenes be as memorable as the conversation between Binoche and Shimmel about signing the books? Dare I dream of something even as good as masterpieces like Taste of Cherry and Ten?
I also love the choice of music. The film is apparently about a student who financially supports herself through prostitution but becomes romantically involved with an older customer. The lyrics of this song ironically give that image a delicate touch.
No
For a director whose filmography is deeply rooted in Iranian culture for the most part, Japan seems like a massive and risky cultural leap. Is this going to be too far out of his comfort zone? If the story is completely universal, why set it in Japan? If it isn’t, how will Kiarostami handle it? Then again...
Maybe So
Certified Copy was his first effort outside his native country and we all know how good that turned out. If this surprising late-career geographic shift is what it takes for Kiarostami to work more frequently, I’ll be satisfied with anything half as entertaining and thoughtful as Certified Copy.
I’m a resounding YES on this one and for reasons of completism, nothing can stop me watching it when I first get the chance.
How about you?
Abbas Kiarostami, Cannes, Certified Copy, Yes No Maybe So
Reader Comments (10)
A big YES for me.
I think I'm a Yes on this one.
Yes, yes, a thousand times YES! Who is this actress? I'm already in love with her and her performance. Based on the plot description and the trailer, I'm getting a Sleeping Beauty by way of Kiarostami vibe here.
I love that it doesn't feel talky, like most of his works (I love the talking in his movies). It has more of a Hou Hsiao Hsien touch here, I feel. Silences, poetry... Hou also made a stunning movie in Japan, Cafe Lumiere. They must have something in common. I like these cultural exchanges.
Yes, but sadly it will be EONS before it's available in Idaho.
On a separate note, I would love to see you do a "Yes, No, Maybe so" for Sarah Polley's Take This Waltz. The trailer just came out and it seems to hit some of the same notes of realism that I loved so much in Away From Her.
OH my god YES right now please thank you.
Hmmm, interesting trailer. I was thinking this was gonna end up looking more neon dreamy and tonal like Lost in Translation or something. Not sure why. Something about 'Kiarostami Does Japan' made me think of lingering shots of lively nightlife and intimate warmth among the high tech. Is that too specific? In any case, I'm definitely curious about this one.
It does look lovely and poetic - but I admit the "much older man pretty young woman" brought to mind Lost in Translation (even though the relationship wasn't sexual and Johannson's character wasn't a prostitute, which actually helped the film tremendously I thought), and of course a thousand other versions of this theme over the past 50 years. I don't expect it to come to CT anyway so I don't expect this to be an issue, but I'll probably see his other work first.
Sad to say this but I've never heard of this director but that movie still caught my eye (and now watching the trailer), I'm pretty excited for this film. Will be sure to check out "Certified Copy" (which I heard so many good things about last year) and his other films soon!
Though I have never heard of this director before, I admire his bravado to do something different. Yes, from Iranian culture jumping to all sexually liberal Japanese culture, is a huge leap and I for one give Kiarostami a standing ovation for breaking away from the boxes that have been built around us. If the movie ever makes it to the Bay Area I will make sure that is advertised for and seen by all I know and am in contact.
With love for my fellow countryman's work.
Mariam