"Crimson Gold" *** (out of ****)
"Crimson Gold" (2004) is an Iranian film directed by Jafar Panahi. It owes much to Italian neo-realism in the way it deals with the social classes in Iran and everyday struggles of the working class. Unlike Italian neo-realism however, "Crim-son Gold" is a bit darker.
The film stars Hossain Emadeddin as Hussein, a pizza delivery man. Hussein is usually seen with his friend, and we can assume his only friend, Ali (Kamyar Sheisi), who has set him up to marry his sister, (Azita Rayeji). Hussein is a large, overweight man who seems to know his social limitations in life but doesn't like it.
Hussein and Ali are a couple of small time crooks. Ali finds a purse and steals it. He and Hussein rummage through it and find nothing of value inside except a note explaining there is a $75 million necklace in a jewelry store, which the woman has not picked up. Hussein and Ali go to the store to see what the necklace looks like. When they arrive the owner, (Shahram Vaziri) will not even let them inside. Instead he asks them to speak through the door.
This act bothers Hussein a great deal. Who does the owner think he is to deny them access into his store? But Ali is not so bothered by it. He knows they look poor and would not be able to buy anything in the store anyway. Why shouldn't the owner deny them access. But seeing how upset Hussein is, Ali tells him, one day the owner will pay. How, he doesn't tell Hussein, but one day he will.
"Crimson Gold" tells us a bit of a Marxist story about social classes and how social injustice can make people engage in actions they normally wouldn't. I don't think I'd be spoiling much when I tell you Hussein and Ali break into the store in an attempt to rob it. Hussein is now put in a situation where it is either the man's life or his or in the worst case scenario, both.
The film was based on a true incident and was written by Abbas Kiarostami, himself an acclaimed filmmaker. I have not seen all of Mr. Panahi's films, this marks my second outing. My first was his most recent film, "Offside", which I reviewed on here. But given these two films and what I know about Kiarostami, I have seen a great number of his films, the movie is fitting for both of their styles.
Kiarostami likes to make social commentaries as well. And "Offside" was a film about women's place in society, using a sporting event as the backdrop. "Crimson Gold" like Kiarostami's films is minimalist in nature. Nothing seems to be happening on-screen. But Kiasrostami's films including "Ten", "Life, And Nothing More" and "Taste of Cherry" predominantly take place in vehicles. As characters drive around in their cars. Here Hussein drives around town on his delivery bike.
Much of the film's appeal will naturally have to do with much how you find yourself relating to Hussein. I personally find him very likable. He seems to be a poor, lost soul. He is like a helpless child wandering aimlessly through society. In real life, Emadeddin is actually a pizza delivery man.
For some reason, which I really can't explain, I took great pity on Hussein. I could somewhat understand his feelings. The idea that everyone is looking down on you, judging you. Jumping to conclusions based on your appearance.
As in Italian neo-realism, it is social conditions which drive people to extremes, like in "The Bicycle Thief", when a caring father, searching for his bicycle, stoops to the level of stealing one in front of his son, only to get caught. Here, society has put Hussein in a situation where he demands respect. The only way he feels he can achieve respect is by holding up the jewelry store and teaching the owner a lesson.
Don't think that either Panahi or Kiarostami are excusing his actions. Even though the audience may grow some pity for Hussein, the film does not tell Iranians this is the way to respond to social injustice and class warfare. Instead I think the film is saying, stop it now and don't let in come to this. As I said, this is based on a real incident. "Crimson Gold" is a cry to arms. A cautionary tale.
To counter this class view, a scene is created where Hussein delivers some pizzas to a wealthy young man. His girlfriend and her friend left before the pizzas arrive, perhaps they had a argument. The man, feeling lonely and depressed, would like a sympathetic ear. He invites Hussein inside to share the pizza with him. The man seems to be showing kindness, but, it is out of selfishness. The man wants Hussein to listen to his problems. When the girlfriend calls repeatedly, he tells her the pizzas are still here. Hussein stops eating. He tells the girlfriend he is all alone waiting for her to return. Hussein doesn't exist anymore. Kindness flees.
The only thing I can think of which stops "Crimson Gold" from being a masterpiece is the tension is not taken to a new level. Yes the jewelry store owner treats him badly, but why stick up the store? I would have preferred to see more injustice in the world as Hussein reacts to it. That single action alone I don't think is enough to drive someone off the deep end the way it does Hussein. Even when you include the meeting with the wealthy man. We are not seeing society at its worst. I think if the film had dwelled further into human nature and all its ugliness, then I could see Hussein taking the actions which he takes. Hussein hasn't reached levels of great dramatic despair. The world is not closing in on him. He still has his soon-to-be bride, a very attractive young woman. All hope is not lost.
Still for what it does "Crimson Gold" is entertaining. You have to appreciate the way Panahi and Kiarostami are tackling a social problem. Kiarostami's "Taste of Cherry" dealt with suicide. A subject which I believe is forbidden in the culture. So these are brave men not afraid to make challenging movies. In fact "Crimson Gold" was considered "too dark" by the Iranian government and has not been released in Iran. To me, at least, that suggest the film was able to touch a nerve. It presents something the government wants to keep a secret. Maybe that's why such an incident happened in real life in the first place.
The film won the top prize, the Golden Hugo, at the Chicago International Film Festival and was nominated for an award at the Cannes Film Festival.
Posts
