10

Iran, 2002, 92 minutes, Colour.
Directed by Abbas Kierostami

For those who like the film, there is little more that can be said except that it is by master-director, Abbas Kierostami. For those who found it an ordeal to sit through, it seemed to be more radio drama than cinema. The emphasis was on dialogue. While there were continuous shots of the speakers (although many were in the dark), it was the talk that was important. The style of shooting and editing is said by some to be revolutionary. On the other hand, the film resembled a student assessment project. While some of the points made about Iran, especially family, growing consumerism and the assertion of women for a stronger place in society, it was a rather gruelling experience.

1. The work of Kierostami and his reputation world-wide? His film style, minimal cinema? The content of his films and insight into Iranian society and culture?

2. The technical aspects of the film, digital cameras, two fixes cameras, editing? The improvisation of the acting and recording the conversations? Editing and pace?

3. The film as radio film with the focus on the discussions and arguments of the main characters?

4. The film in a car, the focus on the driving, on the drivers? The positioning of the cameras? The passing world glimpsed outside the windows? Communication between persons in a car?

5. The ten pieces, the skill, the timing, the content?

6. The driver and the focus on her, her relationship with her husband, son? Themes of family, divorces and splits and custody in Iran?

7. Themes of women, their status, relationship with men, the patriarchy? Subservience, marriage? The issue of the veil and the young woman taking off her veil in the car?

8. The religious background of Iran, Islam and its traditions, the beginnings of discussion about prayer and faith?

9. The driver, her life, her son, her being hurt, leaving her husband, the clashes with him, seeing him across the street in the vehicle? Arguing with her son? Talking rather than listening?

10. The boy, spoilt, the broken family, his angers, wanting to see his grandmother, arguing with his mother?

11. The relation given the driver, her discussions about the welfare of the boy?

12. The prostitute and the long discussion about her work, analysis of sexuality, relationships?

13. The woman who left her boyfriend, the two drives in the car, her discussions about prayer, her attitude towards men, her shaving her head, the removing of the veil?

14. What was achieved by the discussions of these characters? Insight into Iran? The dramatic impact (or not) on the audience?