Certified Copy is a romantic, picturesque movie that is held together through intellectual dialogue and the presence of Juliette Binoche as the lead actress. Binoche, a French actress best known for her performance in The English Patient (1996) for which she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar, took home the Best Actress Award at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival for this film. It is easy to see why she won for Certified Copy, as she gives a modestly lovely performance speaking in both English and Italian.
When the author returns, Binoche lets him in on the “joke” and for the rest of the afternoon Elle and James continue the charade playing out what would look like a real relationship to any outsiders. The two get so passionate about their fake relationship; it seems as if they have even forgotten that they are acting, as Elle colorfully berates her in Italian “husband” about his absence and lack of fathering to their son. He in turn fires right back at her that likely foreshadows how a genuine relationship would exist between these two.
Overall, Certified Copy is very likable despite the absence of the action or conflict that usually carries a film’s momentum. I do not want to call it slow-paced as that suggests that it is boring, but I’d rather call it not fast-paced meaning that its momentum is carried out by picturesque moments and some really incredible acting. If you are not a fan of Binoche thus far, this film will definitely turn you into one.