Can a copy ever be an original? A cinematic experiment in Tuscany
In short: In Abbas Kiarostami’s 2010 film Certified Copy, a British writer and a French antiques dealer spend a day in Tuscany debating the nature of authenticity. As their relationship shifts from strangers to a bickering married couple, the film forces viewers to question whether the distinction between original and reproduction truly exists.
The film’s premise stems from the book written by the protagonist, James Miller, which argues that authenticity in art is irrelevant because every reproduction is an original, and even the original is merely a copy of another form. This philosophical inquiry mirrors the film's own structure, as the two leads—played by Juliette Binoche and opera singer William Shimell—gradually adopt the roles of a long-married couple. Their interactions, which oscillate between drama and comedy, blur the lines between performance and reality, leaving the audience to wonder if they are witnessing a genuine history or a spontaneous roleplay.
Director Abbas Kiarostami, known for his minimalist style and use of amateur actors, took a different approach here by working with a professional team and a €3.8 million budget. The casting process was arduous, involving several actors before settling on Shimell, whom Kiarostami chose for his strength and finesse. The project was deeply personal, with the initial concept born from a casual anecdote Kiarostami shared with Binoche, who believed the story was true until he confessed it was a fabrication. This dynamic of belief and deception became the core of the film's development.
Upon its release, the film received widespread acclaim, with critics like Keith Uhlich naming it the best film of the 2010s. However, it faced significant political hurdles; it was banned in Iran, with officials citing Binoche's attire as a primary reason. Despite such challenges, the film remains a landmark of modern cinema, praised for its refined technique and sensory architecture. It continues to be studied for its ambiguity, often compared to European classics like Journey to Italy, while standing as a unique, intricately conjoined double fiction that challenges how we perceive human connection.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Certified Copy (film)
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