Saturday, March 26, 2016

Taxi (2015)

Director: Jafar Panahi. Cast: Jafar Panahi, Nasrin Sotoudeh. 82 min. Iran. Comedy/Drama.

A Taxi driver (Panahi) documents daily interactions between his passengers and himself, with small cameras planted in the cab. With that setting, you'd assume this is a documentary. It's not. The fact that the scenes are staged become relevant from the very first interaction, and that somewhat dampens the fun. But considering this is Panahi's third film after being banned from directing in Iran, he gets an 'A' for creativity - making films that don't look like he's directing them, while he is. This Golden Lion winner at last year's Berlinale was just a step away from becoming a masterpiece.

PS: Without spoiling anything, the last scene may confirm this as Iran's first "found footage" film. With all his films' shortcomings, Panahi has stayed in Iran, and is fighting the good fight. A true hero.

PPS: Recently became available to stream on Netflix.

Mo says:

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