Mohammad Ali Barrati
Actor
About Mohammad Ali Barrati
Mohammad Ali Barrati is an Iranian actor known for his single appearance in Abbas Kiarostami's acclaimed film 'Close-Up' (1990). His participation in this groundbreaking work represents his entire documented film career, making him a notable figure in Iranian cinema history despite his brief screen presence. As one of the real individuals who appeared in Kiarostami's hybrid documentary-fiction film, Barrati contributed to the authenticity of this innovative cinematic experiment. The film itself gained international recognition for its unique approach to storytelling, blending real events with dramatized elements. Barrati's role, while minor, was part of what made 'Close-Up' a landmark in world cinema, showcasing Kiarostami's ability to find profound meaning in everyday lives. His appearance in the film demonstrates the director's signature style of casting non-professional actors to enhance the documentary feel of his work.
The Craft
On Screen
Naturalistic, non-professional acting style typical of Kiarostami's documentary approach
Milestones
- Appeared in Abbas Kiarostami's 'Close-Up' (1990)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Mohammad Ali Barrati's contribution to cinema, though minimal in scope, is significant due to his participation in Abbas Kiarostami's 'Close-Up', a film that revolutionized documentary and narrative filmmaking. His appearance as a real person in this hybrid work helped establish a new paradigm for cinematic storytelling that influenced countless filmmakers worldwide. The film itself, featuring Barrati among other non-professional actors, demonstrated the power of authenticity in cinema and inspired a generation of filmmakers to explore the boundaries between documentary and fiction. His involvement represents the democratization of cinema that Kiarostami championed, showing that compelling stories could emerge from ordinary lives without professional actors.
Lasting Legacy
While Mohammad Ali Barrati's legacy in cinema is limited to his single appearance, his contribution to 'Close-Up' ensures his place in film history as part of one of the most innovative and influential films of the 20th century. The film's inclusion in numerous critics' lists of greatest films means that Barrati's brief screen time continues to be viewed and studied by cinema enthusiasts and scholars worldwide. His participation exemplifies Abbas Kiarostami's philosophy of finding cinematic value in everyday reality, a concept that has influenced documentary and narrative filmmaking globally.
Who They Inspired
As a non-professional actor, Mohammad Ali Barrati's influence is primarily indirect, through his contribution to a film that inspired countless filmmakers to work with real people and authentic situations. 'Close-Up' became a touchstone for the Iranian New Wave cinema and influenced international directors interested in blurring the lines between documentary and fiction. His natural performance style demonstrated that compelling cinema could be created without professional training, encouraging more inclusive casting practices in art cinema.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Mohammad Ali Barrati's personal life outside of his brief appearance in 'Close-Up'. As a non-professional actor cast by Abbas Kiarostami for his documentary-style film, Barrati was essentially playing himself, contributing to the film's unique blend of reality and fiction.
Did You Know?
- Mohammad Ali Barrati was one of several non-professional actors cast in Abbas Kiarostami's 'Close-Up'
- The film 'Close-Up' won the FIPRESCI Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 1990
- His appearance in the film was essentially playing himself, contributing to the documentary authenticity
- The film tells the real story of a man who impersonated director Mohsen Makhmalbaf
- Despite having only one film credit, he appears in one of the most critically acclaimed Iranian films ever made
- The film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2020
- Kiarostami discovered many of his actors by chance, filming real people in real situations
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mohammad Ali Barrati?
Mohammad Ali Barrati was an Iranian actor known exclusively for his appearance in Abbas Kiarostami's acclaimed 1990 film 'Close-Up'. As a non-professional actor, he played himself in this groundbreaking work that blurs the lines between documentary and fiction.
What films is Mohammad Ali Barrati best known for?
Mohammad Ali Barrati is known only for his appearance in 'Close-Up' (1990), directed by Abbas Kiarostami. This film is considered a masterpiece of world cinema and a landmark in Iranian New Wave cinema.
When was Mohammad Ali Barrati born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Mohammad Ali Barrati are not publicly available. What is known is that he was active in 1990 when he appeared in 'Close-Up' and is of Iranian nationality.
What awards did Mohammad Ali Barrati win?
There are no records of Mohammad Ali Barrati receiving individual awards or nominations. However, the film 'Close-Up' in which he appeared won the FIPRESCI Prize at Cannes and has received numerous accolades over the years.
What was Mohammad Ali Barrati's acting style?
Barrati employed a naturalistic, non-professional acting style typical of Abbas Kiarostami's documentary approach. He was essentially playing himself, which contributed to the authentic feel of 'Close-Up' and its innovative blend of reality and fiction.
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Films
1 film
