A diabolical concept, but so very effective: Makhmalbaf deliberately blurs the line between actor and amateur applicant. The audition becomes the movie and we get to see the confusion of the auditioned as they're told this. It's hard to absolve the director toying with them like a cat with its prey, but just as hard not to revel in their reactions and to feel for them.

It was fantastic seeing everyday people try to achieve their dreams of acting, or involvement film. Even seeing someone getting killed on film was jaw dropping. That thought will never leave my head. Makhmalbaf does great in this film.