1.) How does the use of documentary fiction help to comment on the role of women in Iranian society in the late 1990's?
2.) How can a film portray an accurate depiction of women while being subject to the rules of state and self censorship in Iran?
3.) How is space handled in the film? Particularly the distinction between public and private space.
Thanks,
Jim
3.) How is space handled in the film? Particularly the distinction between public and private space.
ReplyDeleteIn The Apple, space is a consistent, systematic technique that Samira Makhmalbaf uses, which becomes a character in itself. We are able to see from several point of views how this family lives, what they see, what the neighbors see, etc. I think it creates a major impact on us because we don't usually get that many POV shots.
It works dynamically BECAUSE the private and public sphere are meshed together...even though there are bars and a door that barricades these girls inside their home, we see that it is easy enough to get in or outside of the courtyard. Although we recognize the size of the space, we never actually see the entire house; there is always a blackened out side where the mother continuously suppresses herself.
Outside of the house, space is still important to notice; the roads are free and clear other than a few people selling goods. And when the girls go into the most "urban" area of town...they have free-range to dance, run, etc. with their friends. They are not able to comprehend actually how big the city, their country or the world actually is. In that moment, they are overwhelmed with it; I believe that's why - even though it was their "prison" and lifestyle for 11 years - when the social worker told them to go outside, they would return to their house. The girls felt safe in their own home, even though they didn't have good living conditions.