Documentary Overview"76 Minutes and 15 Seconds with Abbas Kiarostami" is a 2016 documentary film directed by Iranian filmmaker and professional photographer Seifollah Samadian, who was a friend and long time partner of the globally acclaimed Iranian director, Abbas Kiarostami. The film is a genuine tribute to Kiarostami, showcasing intimate behind-the-scenes footage from his life and work. Released posthumously after Kiarostami's death in July 2016, the documentary's running time mirrors the period of Kiarostami's life in years and days.
Unfolding the man behind the cameraThe documentary uses special glimpses into Kiarostami's practices as a filmmaker and supplies an individual look at his lesser-known, off-screen character. It portrays various facets of Kiarostami - the visionary director, the relentless artist, the poet, and the humanist. His humility and humor, together with his intellectual interest and extensive respect for life's common moments, are on full screen. The movie uses formerly unshared video footage from the years Samadian invested with Kiarostami across filmmaking trips, photo exhibitions, and personal interactions.
Presentation StyleThe film lacks a traditional documentary structure; there's no commentary narration nor any chronological order to the filmed occasions. It moves from Kiarostami directing his films to him snapping photos, engaging in convivial chats, offering lectures, or just observing the world. The film weaves together clips from different times and contexts, thereby recording the essence of Kiarostami's special viewpoint, meditative technique, and his visual sensibilities.
Personal and Professional InsightsThe documentary showcases Kiarostami instructing young filmmakers, expounding on his philosophy of the art form, and recording his passionate involvement with photography and poetry. It also unveils his fascination with natural aspects like wind and rain and his focus on themes of life and death, frequently dramatized in his films. Audiences witness Kiarostami working carefully with actors, articulating his vision carefully however succinctly.
Effect and ReceptionAs an intimate observation of a master at work, "76 Minutes and 15 Seconds with Abbas Kiarostami" is an engaging and informative documentary. It was selected to compete in the Venice Classics area at the 73rd Venice International Film Festival. Viewers knowledgeable about Kiarostami's movies might obtain a much deeper understanding of his work's origins and motifs. Still, even those not familiar with his work can value the documentary as a picture of an artist devoted to observing and exposing life's subtleties.
Conclusion"76 Minutes and 15 Seconds with Abbas Kiarostami" is a fascinating eulogy, presenting the guy behind the director's chair. Its various collection of moments, recorded with love and respect, provides a bittersweet insight into Kiarostami's life and his pursuit of art. It stands as a poignant homage to Kiarostami, encapsulating the spirit of a man called much for his imagination and virtuosity when it comes to his extensive empathy and humbleness. The uniqueness of the documentary depends on its capability to capture the magic of regular moments through the lens of a master, just like Kiarostami's own movies.
Top Cast
