Introducing: Unreviewable Films
We’ve all had this type of experience. We watch a movie, we pay attention, we let it sink in, but we cannot translate what we just saw into our own words. Was it good or bad? The things that happened, were they real or imaginary? That performance, was it great emoting or over-acting? Was that supposed to be funny? Why am I feeling like this? I’ve been at a loss for words after certain movies before, but it hadn’t happened to me in a long time. Well, it was bound to happen sometime, right? The first Unreviewable Film of 2012 is…
… Abbas Kiarostami’s Copie Conforme (Certified Copy). I watched this last night and I really don’t know how I feel about it. I stumbled upon this quote on Rotten Tomatoes and I think it’s the most accurate description of the movie out there:
Maybe I need to watch it again, but I honestly don’t know if I loved this or I hated it. Juliette Binoche and William Shimell are fantastic in their roles, particularly the former, but the characters in themselves are not very pleasant. If it wasn’t for their banter (and the gorgeous Italian countryside), would we want to spend an entire day with them? Besides, they obviously have some mental issues they need to work out (or do they?) There is great dialog, reminiscent of Before Sunrise and the script raises some interesting points about how we as a society value art, but also about how we value each other. However, I don’t know what was the point. Make us doubt if what we’re watching is real or imaginary? Were we supposed to like these people or identify with them in some way? Why is Juliette’s character warm, then cold, then plain crazy? Is she bipolar? Why is that kid so annoying? Why is the author such an asshole to this lady? Why, after all the wait, there is no payoff? This film left me with more questions than answers, evidently.
Have you seen Copie Conforme? I’m interested in hearing your thoughts!
I’ve been wanting to watch this for quite some time because I keep hearing such…Differing views.
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Yes, it’s quite strange.
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I haven’t seen it yet but I know what you mean about some movies are ‘unreviewable,’ and not necessarily ’cause you dislike it, but you just don’t know where to start! I have a few films like that as well, hence I haven’t reviewed them. I might do that in the future though as mini reviews. Btw, I’ve been curious about this movie and now you actually made me want to see it even more 🙂
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You should check it out and let me know what you think!
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This is a great feature Fernando. I often find film’s hard to put into words. In fact, it happens regularly… Maybe it’s me 😉
Saying that, I really want to see this film. I’ve heard good things but I appreciate your honest take on it. Nice one man.
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Thanks, Mark! And yes, I think that happens to us all at some point. You should see it and let me know what you think!
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Once I get my hands on this, i’ll get back to you. Great idea though. I does indeed involve us all.
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I saw the title and thought I’ve never heard of this film. Then saw the translation “Certified Copy” and realized I had. You’re such a purist with original titles. 😉 “Unreviewable” sounds like a film that got overwhelming praise but you don’t feel the same passion. Yet you really want to. Am I right?
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Sort of. That’s the case sometimes. But also, when you’re not quite sure how you feel about a movie. I honestly don’t know if I loved or hated this one.
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Recognize the title, never was interested.
Did you see Prometheus? Better yet, Alien? I’m interested to see your thoughts, whether they’re reviewable or not. 🙂
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Actually, I’m watching both tomorrow! Stay tuned 🙂
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I saw Certified Copy when it came out in the theatres last spring. This was before I started blogging about movies, so I haven’t written any review about it, but yes, it would have been rather difficult since I had such a hard time staying awake through it.
That horrible boring artsy lecturing in the beginning of the film, which came back a few times, bored me no end. I DON’T CARE about the relationship between a copy and an original. I might have been interested in it when I was 20 and at uni, or I could have PRETENDED to be interested in it, but now… Bah. So boring.
So we don’t know the relationship between the woman and the man, if they’re strangers for real or just faking it. So what?
Bored, bored, bored.
Later on I’ve read beautiful raving reviews about how fantastic this film is. Some of the film bloggers I respect most URGE me to revisit it and give it a new chance. Maybe I will one day. But when I watched it, the beginning through me right out of it and I couldn’t return.
A movie that DOES deal with copy and original, but in a fun and interesting and engaging way is Exit through the gift shop. What a fantastic film that was! One of the best documentaries I’ve seen and highly recommended unless you haven’t seen it before.
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Thanks for commenting, Jessica! 🙂 I wasn’t as bored as you but I didn’t get what was the point! Thanks for recommending ETTGS, I will definitely check that one out.
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I read a lot about it but decided not to watch it in cinema… I just had the feeling that I shouldn’t.
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Maybe it doesn’t warrant a trip to the cinema but you should rent it and see what you make of it. Thanks for commenting!
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Really interesting post Fernando. I’ve heard so many good things about this film, it’s nice for it to be evened out a little by an uncertainty. It was mentioned in a lot of top 10s for last year, but I just never got around to watching it. Now that it’s easily accessible through Netflix I still haven’t got around to watching it. I adored Blue Valentine even though I didn’t like the way it made me feel (I shed far too many tears!), so I am still hopeful for this!
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You should check it out and let me know where you stand. Even though I really don’t know where I do haha.
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