Close-Up — Movie Quotes

During his trial, when asked to explain why he impersonated Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Sabzian offers this honest and vulnerable statement to the court.

This simple, almost childlike declaration cuts to the core of Sabzian's motivation. It's his heartfelt and sincere explanation for his actions, stripping away the legal complexities of fraud and revealing the pure passion that drove him. It encapsulates the film's central theme of the profound and transformative power of art.

Towards the end of the trial, Kiarostami asks Sabzian if he is acting for the camera. Sabzian's response articulates his belief that he is conveying a truth that comes from a place of deep personal suffering.

This quote further blurs the line between performance and genuine expression, a central theme of the film. Sabzian argues that his actions, both as an impersonator and in recounting his story, are not a form of acting in the deceptive sense, but rather an authentic expression of his inner pain and love for art.

In his testimony during the trial, Sabzian explains the intoxicating feeling of being treated with the deference and respect accorded to a famous director, a stark contrast to his everyday life.

This quote directly addresses the theme of social class and the desire for respect. Sabzian acknowledges the power and authority that came with his assumed identity, highlighting how society treats people differently based on their status. It reveals the deep-seated feelings of powerlessness that fueled his impersonation.

At the very end of the film, after Sabzian and the real Makhmalbaf have visited the Ahankhah home to apologize, Mr. Ahankhah speaks these words, offering a sense of closure and reconciliation.

This line signifies the resolution and forgiveness at the end of the film. It's a statement of hope and a willingness to move past the deception. It suggests that the family has come to see Sabzian not as a criminal, but as a troubled individual who deserves a second chance, embodying the film's compassionate perspective.