Just found an article about this movie, haven't seen it yet, I think her comment on the process of scripting the film is relevant to the on-going conversation regarding "truth" and "truth-telling"
having limited knowledge of her intention with the film, would you consider this a documentary?
"Keshavarz told Reuters that the scarcity of coverage on the topic inspired her, saying, "I've seen very few films that address women's sexuality -- in Iran, in the Muslim world, at all. As much as some people are upset about the film, there are other people who are like, 'Finally! Something that's us!'
In a Wall Street Journal interview, Keshavarz explained her reaction to criticism of the film: “It’s usually Iranian men in their 50s and 60s. Often, the questions are framed in terms of authenticity. Like I don’t have the right to speak because I don’t live in Iran. But I’ve always been very upfront that I go back and forth, and I have a different perspective than a filmmaker from Iran would. But I also have a difference perspective than an American filmmaker would. And because I go back and forth, I see change in a different light.”
Early versions of Circumstance were not so forthright on the intimate nature of the relationship between its two leads, Keshavarz notes: “everything was implied; nothing was shown." But as she continued to refine her vision at the Sundance Writers she realized that honest portrayal of her subject was essential: “as I started writing more truthfully and the characters became more real as opposed to symbols, I really started to strip away my self-censorship, and I realized that if I was going to make the film, I had to make it as truthfully as possible, and once I got that in the script, I would never be able to return to Iran.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/25/new-film-circumstances-ex_n_936891.html
WoahhhThis is so interesting-- it looks like a beautiful film and story! Thanks for posting this, Nabeela.
ReplyDeleteThe article was great too, although I would have liked more background on the filmmaker herself. From just the trailer and your highlighted quotes, the intention seems pretty upfront... and although it is horrible/unfair that she may "never be able to return to Iran," in the current social atmosphere of beliefs- I think it seems like a noble sacrifice to introduce such a perspective/story -not only visually awesomely/professionally- but boldy, in the face of, and in response to current issues of repression.
Also thinkin: It would have been amazing if they had gotten footage of the police examining the set and the actresses' improvised scene.... or maybe if they had written a scene about that situation somehow? Hah, or maybe that would be a different film entirely.
Anyways, thanks for the world-thought-food...
Seeing the film at the Harvard Archive was great. visually it was a beautiful film. I loved the contrast between light and dark. The sound was great as well. The attention to detail, both visually and sound wise, made the film really strong. Where the film visually slowed down the sound kept me interested. It was really cool to hear about how filmmaking (for him) became like a dance, a living breath thing, that is less fixed and more of a transformative process. Hearing him talk reminded me a lot of painting.
ReplyDelete