Once Upon a Time, Cinema (1992)
The film follows a character known as The Cinematographer, who is looking for someone called Atieh (Future). As he calls out to her, he is magically transported back in time from the early twentieth century to the reign of Naser al-Din Shah in 19th century Iran. Captured by the Shah's guards, he shows films from the history of Iranian cinema to the Shah. The Shah is entranced and eagerly shows his family the apparently magical medium.
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Reviews
Truly Dreadful Film
There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.
This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.
Blistering performances.
This meditation on cinema and censorship is astounding. Contemporary black and white footage is interspersed with clips from older films, though sometimes the transition is so seamless one can't tell when one ends and the other begins. Crude special effects are used to create a surreal atmosphere that owes a tremendous debt to Luis Bunuel, particularly Exterminating Angel and Un Chien Andalou. There's also a Kubrick tribute towards the end of the film. No amount of exposition will prepare you for this film, which truly has to be seen to be believed. Highest rating and recommendation.
This film has many characteristics of classic cinema. It contains action, adventure, and romance. This film was made in Iran. The protagonist looks almost like Charlie Chaplain. He is given a chance to make films for the emperor. There are many scenes of people running on and off of movie screens, and in and out of old kinetiscope projectors. Some people might find this erratic, and tedious, but it helps project an idea of fantasy, or forgetting about ones problems, becoming engrossed in a film. This film is quite enjoyable, it is a sort of history of Iranian films. I give it an 8/10.