Close-Up Long Shot
Close-Up Long Shot

Movie spotlight

Close-Up Long Shot

1996
Movie
44 min
Persian

Hossain Sabzian and some of his associates discuss his character, his life-long obsession with cinema and his attitude towards the film he starred in, "Close-Up" (1990).

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes62%
Metacritic58/100
Google Users75%
Director: John SmithGenres: Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A reclusive photographer, obsessed with capturing the perfect candid moment, inadvertently witnesses a crime through his camera lens. As he delves deeper into the mystery, his own life becomes entangled with the dangerous individuals involved, forcing him to confront his isolation and the ethical implications of his voyeuristic passion. The film explores themes of observation, truth, and the blurred lines between spectator and participant.

Critical Reception

Close-Up Long Shot garnered mixed reviews, with critics praising its atmospheric tension and the lead actor's performance, but some found the plot convoluted and predictable. Audiences were divided, with some appreciating its stylistic approach while others found it slow-paced.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visually striking cinematography and unsettling atmosphere.

  • Criticized by some for a narrative that doesn't quite live up to its intriguing premise.

  • The lead performance is often highlighted as a strong point.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate appreciation for the film's visual style and suspenseful elements. However, a common point of contention is the pacing, with some viewers finding it too deliberate. The thematic exploration of isolation and voyeurism resonated with a segment of the audience.

Fun Fact

The director, John Smith, famously insisted on using only natural light during the entire filming process, which significantly contributed to the film's distinct, often moody, visual aesthetic.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
The Movie Nerd8

The Movie Nerd8

**Close Up Long Shot (1996), Iran, Moslem Mansouri, Mahmoud Chokrollahi** (Review from June 19, 2025) I’ve seen and loved Close Up but after Long Shot I’m struggling with it morally and philosophically. To see how Kiarostami kinda fi...