Abbas Kiarostami was an acclaimed Iranian filmmaker known for his poetic and minimalist style of filmmaking, as well as his exploration of human relationships and social issues in contemporary Iranian society.
“But in all, I don’t like to engage in telling stories. I don’t like to arouse the viewer emotionally or give him advice. I don’t like to belittle him or burden him with a sense of guilt. These are the things I don’t like in the movies.” — Abbas Kiarostami
Introduction to Abbas Kiarostami:
Abbas Kiarostami (1940-2016) was an Iranian film director, screenwriter, photographer, and film producer. He was one of the most influential figures in contemporary Iranian cinema, and his works have gained critical acclaim worldwide.
Kiarostami started his career as a graphic designer and then began making short films and documentaries for the Institute for Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults in Tehran. His first feature film, “The Report” (1977), gained international recognition and won several awards. He went on to make many other highly regarded films, including “Where Is the Friend’s Home?” (1987), “Close-Up” (1990), “Taste of Cherry” (1997), “The Wind Will Carry Us” (1999), and “Certified Copy” (2010).
Kiarostami’s films are known for their poetic and philosophical style, exploring themes such as human relationships, social issues, and the meaning of life. He was also a pioneer in the use of digital technology in filmmaking, and his experimental approach to cinema influenced many filmmakers around the world.
10 Signature Elements of Abbas Kiarostami’s Filmmaking Style:
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Realism:
Kiarostami’s films often depict realistic and everyday situations, focusing on the lives of ordinary people.
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Minimalism:
Kiarostami’s films often have minimal plots and are characterized by a slow pace and a focus on small details.
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Ambiguity:
Kiarostami’s films often leave room for interpretation, with unclear or open-ended endings that allow viewers to draw their own conclusions.
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Metafiction:
Kiarostami’s films often blur the line between fiction and reality, and he frequently uses self-reflexive techniques in his storytelling.
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Poetic imagery:
Kiarostami’s films often feature beautiful, poetic images, particularly of the natural world.
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Humanistic themes:
Kiarostami’s films explore human relationships, social issues, and the meaning of life, often with a philosophical approach.
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Empathy:
Kiarostami’s films have a strong sense of empathy for his characters and their struggles, and he often portrays them with great sensitivity.
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Simplicity:
Kiarostami’s films often have a simple, minimalist aesthetic, with few special effects or flashy visuals.
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Collaboration:
Kiarostami often worked closely with non-professional actors and local communities in the making of his films, giving them a sense of authenticity and realism.
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Innovative techniques:
Kiarostami was a pioneer in the use of digital technology in filmmaking, and he frequently experimented with unconventional storytelling techniques, such as long takes and unconventional camera angles.
abbas kiarostami directors filmmaking style
Last modified: September 24, 2023
