Careless Crime, on OVID.tv

The 1978 Cinema Rex fire in Abadan, Iran was sort of like the frequently misreported Gaza hospital bombings. In reality, it was committed by Islamist militants, but the Ayatollah and his fellow revolutionaries successfully blamed the Shah’s SAVAK. Even though the Shah was not responsible, it turned public opinion against him. Forty-some years later, history might repeat itself in Shahram Mokri’s Careless Crime, which premieres today on OVID.tv.

Time loops in very strange ways throughout Careless Crime. Visibly disturbed Takbali needs embargoed anti-depressants to medicate his anxiety stemming from his role in a notorious theater arson case that killed 400-some people. To meet a black-market contact, he visits the cinema museum, where he encounters an exhibit dedicated to the Cinema Rex tragedy. However, his pharmaceutical dealer connects him with three malcontents, whom the penniless Takbali must aid in their plans to burn down a local cinema, in lieu of payment.

Meanwhile, the theater staff takes every measure possible to create fire hazard conditions. Extra rows are added to the theater and the beverage overstock barricades the fire doors. It just gets worse and worse, despite the many repeated references to the Cinema Rex, from both patrons and employees.

However, the film-within-the-film, Careless Crime, is a bit of a puzzle. Supposedly, it depicts a senior Iranian military officer, who accidentally runs over his own daughter—hence the title—but from what the real-life audiences sees, it is an absurdist story about unexploded ordinance. Perhaps it was originally set during the Iran-Iraq War, but time has a way of jumping and slipping, throughout both Careless Crimes.

Admittedly, there are sequences that suggest Mokri and co-screenwriter Nasim Ahmadpour are trying to deliberately confuse the audience. However, each instance when time loops back around in the presumed-modern day theater, Mokri produces foreboding chills, palpably suggesting the terror on the verge of exploding. It is not exactly a traditional time-loop movie, but the tight construction of each coil will hold viewers attention like a vice. The choreography of entrances and exits is also just as meticulous as the most inventive sf loops, if not more so.

Arguably, Mokri’s concepts are so heavy, they overwhelm the cast. In fact, the ensemble’s primary job is to look like everyday people. Nevertheless, Abolfazi Kahani portrays Takbali as such a damaged loser, it almost hurts to watch him stagger through the film. Conversely, Razieh Mansouri brings such energy to theater staffer Elham, most viewers will root for her to survive the anticipated atrocity.

Although not explicitly political for Western sensibilities, it just seems like riffing on the Cinema Rex is a gutsy move for an Iranian filmmaker. Regardless, Careless Crime would count as stylistically daring just about anywhere. This is bold filmmaking that leaves a lasting mark. Very highly recommended, Careless Crime starts streaming today (10/30) on OVID.tv.