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?