---
title: "Close-Up"
year: 1990
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/close-up-1990"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 30017
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 98
community_rating: 7.9
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "NR"
---

# Close-Up (1990) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/close-up-1990

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Close‑Up (1990) is an Iranian crime‑drama that fuses documentary footage with staged scenes, recounting the true story of Hossein Sabzian, who impersonated celebrated director Mohsen Makhmalbaf and was arrested. By filming the actual trial and having the real participants reenact events, the director creates a multilayered investigation of movies, identity, artistic creation, and existence, earning it a place as a landmark work in world cinema.
The tone is contemplative and analytical, inviting viewers to ponder the boundaries between reality and performance. Pacing is deliberate and measured, allowing the film’s ideas to unfold slowly rather than delivering rapid thrills, making it best suited for audiences comfortable with reflective, slow‑burn storytelling.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A real-life con becomes a cinematic meditation on identity."

### Why Watch
- Blends documentary and fiction to examine art, truth, and existence.
- Features the actual people from the case, lending raw authenticity.
- Provides a thoughtful exploration of identity and the nature of filmmaking.

### Caveats & Content Note
- Its deliberately slow pacing may feel sluggish to viewers seeking rapid plot movement.
- Tone & Suitability: The film’s measured pace and reflective tone suit patient viewers interested in artful, introspective drama.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #fiction-documentary, #iranian-cinema, #meta-narrative, #court-drama, #real-people-play-themselves, #identity-quest, #slow-paced

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/close-up-1990#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Abbas Kiarostami
- **Networks / Studios**: Kanoon

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Hossain Sabzian** as *Self*
- **Monoochehr Ahankhah** as *Self*
- **Mahrokh Ahankhah** as *Self*
- **Abolfazl Ahankhah** as *Self*
- **Mehrdad Ahankhah** as *Self*
- **Nayer Mohseni Zonoozi** as *Self*
- **Hossain Farazmand** as *Reporter*
- **Ahmad Reza Moayed Mohseni** as *Family Friend*
- **Hooshang Shamaei** as *Taxi Driver*
- **Mohammad Ali Barrati** as *Soldier*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream Close‑Up?
Availability varies; check major streaming platforms or specialty services that offer classic international cinema.

### Q: Is Close‑Up worth watching?
Yes, for viewers interested in a unique blend of documentary and narrative that probes identity and filmmaking.

### Q: How long is the film?
The runtime is approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes.

### Q: Do the real people from the case appear in the film?
Yes, the actual individuals involved play themselves, contributing to its documentary authenticity.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Close-Up — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/30017)
- [Close-Up (1990 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Close-Up_(1990_film))
- [Close Up (2012) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/film/766771-close-up/prehled/)
- [Close-Up (2011) | Kinobox.cz](https://www.kinobox.cz/film/374695-close-up)
- [Close Up (1986)](https://www.sms.cz/film/close-up-1986)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*