Circumstance

Circumstance

This is a daring creative film. The film maker, Maryam Keshavarz, was born in Iran and later lived in the United States. It was filmed in Lebanon. I still am amazed that they were able to make this film. It certainly could never have been produced in Iran. Just recently I read that two major film makers have been arrested in Iran. The topics here are too controversial for that country .The film won the Audience Choice award at Sundance.
Atafeh and Shireen are two teen age friends. Atafeh is from a middle class liberal family. The parents are professors. They are still very much in love. They have a good standard of living. They drink and have parties.
Shireen is from a more traditional background.
The two girls have a relationship. They always have their heads covered in public. It is almost shocking to see them at the underground clubs they attend. The dancing is sensual and provocative. They drink, take drugs and smoke.
They are stopped by the morality police and taken to jail. The family is able to get the girls out of jail. Shireen is examined by male police to see if she is a virgin.
Shireen’s uncle forces her to marry to protect her name. She marries Atafeh’s brother who has fancied her. He is devoutly religious and doesn’t allow her to play the piano or dance even with the family. Obviously there is conflict in the family between the two girls who were former lovers. Shireen is stunning to look at. At first she is horrified at the fact of marrying. Atafeh cannot accept the marriage at all.
The marriage scene is beautiful to watch. In fact all the cinematography is exquisite. The camera lingers on a shot and you feel the emotion involved in the scene.
There is music throughout the film. Atafeh’s family enjoys the piano. At the club raucous music blares. The music seems to be telling the story.
The repression of women in this society is clearly portrayed. There is also a lot of hypocrisy. The police are paid off. The girls act one way on the street. They are wild and out of control on the dance floor of the club. They are sensual and loving in bed with each other.
This is a daring film and it strikes an emotional note. The political overtones are present. The interpersonal trauma between the girls and amongst the family is very striking.
This is a powerful film and the young writer/ director has a great future before her.