Your Face

In 2017, Tsai Ming-Liang shot the virtual reality film The Deserted. There are no close-ups in VR. The experimental documentary Your Face consists of nothing but close-ups. 12 long close-ups of people Tsai met in Taipei, as well as his preferred actor and muse, Lee Kang-sheng. Completed by an image that leaves room for reflection.

How often do we get the opportunity to look at someone for a long time – to truly read their face? A glance, twinkling or resigned, the hesitation behind a careful smile. After a few minutes, the first woman suddenly laughs because of the awkwardness of the situation. Some are silent, some reminisce about relationships, experience sudden surges of emotion, or talk about their addiction. 13 intimate meetings with mainly older women and men. The simply, meticulously composed form is characteristic of Tsai. The restrained score is the first time Tsai has used music in a film in 20 years of filmmaking.