May. 09, 1990|Iran|98 Min.|n/A
Genre: Crime;Documentary;Drama
Description: Hossain Sabzian, an avid cinephile and admirer of renowned Iranian director Mohsen Makhmalbaf, finds himself in an unusual situation. While traveling on a bus with a copy of the screenplay for *The Cyclist*, he strikes up a conversation with Mrs. Ahankhah, who expresses her appreciation for the film. Sabzian, seizing the opportunity, claims to be Makhmalbaf himself. Intrigued, the Ahankhah family invites him into their home, believing his story. Over the next two weeks, Sabzian visits them multiple times, expressing interest in using their house for his next film and offering their sons roles as actors. During this time, he borrows a small sum of money from one of the sons for cab fare.
However, Mr. Ahankhah grows suspicious after noticing discrepancies in Sabzian’s appearance compared to a magazine photo of Makhmalbaf. He contacts journalist Hossain Farazmand, who confirms Sabzian’s deception. Sabzian is subsequently arrested, and Farazmand documents the event for an article titled *Bogus Makhmalbaf Arrested*.
Filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami intervenes, visiting Sabzian in prison and arranging to record his trial. During the proceedings, Sabzian explains his actions as driven by a deep love for cinema and admiration for Makhmalbaf’s work. The Ahankhah family details their growing suspicions during his visits. Taking into account Sabzian’s remorse, lack of prior offenses, and personal circumstances, the judge offers the Ahankhahs the chance to pardon him. They agree, provided he reforms and becomes a productive member of society.
Following the trial, the real Mohsen Makhmalbaf meets Sabzian and offers him a ride back to the Ahankhah’s home, accompanied by Kiarostami’s film crew. Mr. Ahankhah expresses hope that Sabzian will turn his life around and make them proud. This poignant encounter highlights themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of art.
Cast director: Abbas Kiarostami
Cast actor: Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Monoochehr Ahankhah, Mahrokh Ahankhah, Nayer Mohseni Zonoozi, Hossain Sabzian, Abolfazl Ahankhah, Mehrdad Ahankhah, Ahmad Reza Moayed Mohseni, Hossain Farazmand, Hooshang Shamaei
Original name: کلوزآپ ، نمای نزدیک