The Traveler (Mossafer)
Directed by Abbas Kiarostami
Written by Abbas Kiarostami and Hassan Rafi’i
1974/Iran
IMDb page
First viewing/Criterion Channel
My own thought is that one is very grand, like an emperor on a horse, and it’s very hard for a child to relate to that. In order to be able to cooperate with a child, you have to come down to below their level in order to communicate with them. Actors are also like children. — Abbas Kiarostami
In his second film, Kiarostami shows his talent with working with children.
Qassam is a grade-school student, perhaps about ten years old. He is always getting in trouble for tardiness, not doing his homework, etc. etc. The family is poor. Qassam’s only real passion is soccer (football). He wants to see his favorite team play live in Tehran.
He needs the money to make the trip and get into the game. We watch him steal from his parents and try to sell various items he has taken. Finally, he gets the bright idea of taking pictures of his schoolmates for a small sum each. Of course, the camera is broken but anything to get to the game. I will end here.
I liked this movie, especially the photo-taking session, but was not wowed by it. I’m looking forward to following Kiarostami’s career as the “years” go on.
