When I walked into Hamid Naficy’s compelling collection of Iranian movie posters at the Block Museum, my reaction to the first poster I saw, The Golden Heel, was, “That’s an Iranian film?” The exhibit features many posters from the “filmfarsi” movement, an era that produced many melodramas and action films with sharp dialogue, fast moving plots, and dazzling musical numbers.[1] The flamboyant, colorful posters from this movement of the 1950’s and 60’s displays an entirely different Iran than the one that has existed since the theocratic republic was founded in 1979.
Hollywood has received criticism for imposing Western ideals and norms onto other cultures since it became an international phenomenon in the 1920’s, especially from Muslim states in the Middle East. After the release of the Titanic, droves of Afghani men got their hair cut to mimic Leonardo DiCaprio’s look in the film, much to the chagrin of the Taliban. Filmfarsi posters very evidently exhibit the effect of Hollywood on Iranian film and the impact of Western cultural imperialism during the Shah’s time in power. Naficy’s collection of movie posters is not only a fascinating journey through Iranian film history, but also lends valuable insight into Iranian society’s evolving cultural identity in the latter part of the 20th century.
When contrasting filmfarsi and post-Revolution film posters, the actors and actresses are featured in a far different fashion. The poster for the pre-Revolution movie Salome has all the essential aspects of a typical filmfarsi movie poster. The two individuals most prominently featured are a scantily clad woman, portrayed by a famous Iranian popstar Marjan, and a male lead, played by movie star Saeed Rad.
The first thing that that jumped out to me was the magnificent usage of color in this poster. Marjan is featured, as most women are in filmfarsi posters, as a sex object that must be saved by the courageous protagonist. The striking color in the poster accentuates her beauty through her clothing. She wears a tethered rainbow top and a dress that resembles a hula dancer’s. Obviously, it is a bit shocking that this type of dress was permitted in a country that now requires women to wear a hijab at all times.
Additionally, in the context of this poster, Marjan is appealing to the audience in two ways. One, the film is selling Marjan’s beauty and star appeal as a famous pop star. Second, Marjan’s vibrant outfit and the jungle setting present in the bottom left of the poster seem to depict the lead actress and Iran as exotic. I see this film poster as an example of local cinema succumbing to stereotype in order to attract a more international audience. Marjan’s garb even features three of the four colors on the Iranian flag: green, red, and yellow. This portrait of an Iranian actress paints Iran in Western Orientalist stereotypes: a helpless, beautiful woman desperately in need of a masculine hand.
This masculine hand in Salome is Rad. The poster features a plethora of tropes that are common in a masculine Hollywood protagonist. The two that immediately jumped out at me are the images of Rad, shirtless, carrying Marjan in her undergarments, and the image of him engaging in the fistfight in the bottom right hand corner. Rad’s character seems to be a James Bond clone, a “gentleman” that will protect the female lead with violence. These characters were a dime a dozen in Hollywood during the 70’s. Many films followed the example of Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry, featuring tough, combative male leads. Films that centered around a strong, independent male sold tickets in Hollywood and clearly resonated in Iran during the 70’s as well. In sum, Salome’s poster and other filmfarsi posters exhibit pretty blatantly mimicry of Hollywood characters and tropes. It is extremely evident where the popular push against Western cultural intervention and the establishment of a new Iranian identity came from by looking at these posters.
The posters of films made during and after the Iranian Revolution are drastically different in how they frame their protagonists. The bland color scheme and overall simplicity is immediately evident when you glance at this part of the exhibit. The poster for the film Reqiuem contains only four dreary colors: grey, purple, black, and white. Nasrollah, the protagonist of the film and the only person featured on the poster, has a visible expression of sadness and confusion.
His expression is in stark contrast to Rad’s powerful, confident pose. While Rad’s face is bright with vivid detail, Nasrollah’s grey skin elicits a feeling of despair and hopelessness. Reqiuem is representative of the other posters in the gallery after the Revolution in its depiction of emotional realism. The themes of sex and violence clearly would not continue once theocracy was established in Iran. But, Iranian cinema’s pivot from representations of machismo to more vulnerable characters is much more fascinating. The exaltation of the individual appealed much more to a Western audience than a deeply pious theocratic society. The Iranian government wanted to form a society that valued humility and collectivism, themes that were decidedly absent from any filmfarsi poster.
The filmfarsi emphasis on fun, flamboyant films simply did not relate to an audience that had seen thousands die in the Iranian revolution and the Iran-Iraq War. The themes and content of these films were undoubtedly influenced by the authoritarian theocratic regime. But the death of the bright colors, vibrancy, and sense of adventure evident in the filmfarsi posters has as much to do with what the audience wants out of their film experience. Films like Requiemi struck a chord for audiences on a deeper level during extraordinarily trying times.
[1] Wall Text, Salaam Cinema! 50 Years of Iranian Movie Posters, Block Museum, Evanston, IL.
401 Comments
Great info! I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have. Crepi
This is my first time i visit here. I found so many entertaining stuff in your blog, especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the leisure here! Keep up the good work. I have been meaning to write something like this on my website and you have given me an idea. Prijs zonnepanelen
It’s late finding this act. At least, it’s a thing to be familiar with that there are such events exist. I agree with your Blog and I will be back to inspect it more in the future so please keep up your act. Daikin warmtepompen
Yes, FNF mods are the best. Check this out
fridaynightfunkin.biz
Thanks for your post.
Our team of experienced photographers will help you promote your business in the best way possible.
https://mallikphotography.com
ladang78
Your reaction to Hamid Naficy’s collection at the Block Museum is understandable—those vibrant “filmfarsi” posters indeed reveal a side of Iran that contrasts sharply with the country’s post-1979 image. The exhibit does a remarkable job of capturing the lively spirit of the 1950s and 60s through its colorful, dramatic visuals, shedding light on a cinematic era often overshadowed by contemporary perceptions. For those interested in exploring more diverse cultural content, consider visiting Sportzfy MOD Streaming TV. It offers a range of international films and media that could broaden your understanding of global cinema.
Your reaction to Hamid Naficy’s collection at the Block Museum is understandable—those vibrant “filmfarsi” posters indeed reveal a side of Iran that contrasts sharply with the country’s post-1979 image. The exhibit does a remarkable job of capturing the lively spirit of the 1950s and 60s through its colorful, dramatic visuals, shedding light on a cinematic era often overshadowed by contemporary perceptions. For those interested in exploring more diverse cultural content, consider visiting Sportzfy MOD Streaming TV. It offers a range of international films and media that could broaden your understanding of global cinema.
123VEGA อันดับหนึ่งของเว็บเดิมพันสุดต๊าช เกมออนไลน์ได้เงินจริง ที่มีเกมให้เล่นทำเงินมากที่สุด เว็บบริการเกมสล็อตออนไลน์ครบทุกเกม
ladang78
Thanks for your post.
Our team of experienced photographers will help you promote your business in the best way possible.
https://mallikphotography.com
I’m thrilled to share my experience here! Just before my engagement, I discovered SEVlaser, and it was the perfect way to treat myself. The insightful content on this site, along with the glowing reviews from others, made me feel confident in my choice. I even reserved time for a session as a special treat. It’s truly exciting to find such a fantastic service. Check out their work at Laser Hair Removal in Glendale!
Very nice movie..mcd voice excited seen
This is also a very good post which I really enjoyed reading. It is not every day that I have the possibility to see something like this.
impact windows mount dora fl
A very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. plush shop
ese4d
The intersection of revolution and cinema in Iran is as compelling as duck chicken little in storytelling. Just as the character navigates dramatic twists, Iranian cinema reflects societal changes and revolutions, offering profound insights into the nation’s evolving narrative and cultural shifts.
Thanks for sharing this information. Good luck with the site. URL
Your article has opened my eyes to new possibilities and perspectives.
khối lập phương
تعتبر المجالس من أهم قطع الأثاث في المنازل العربية، فهي المكان الذي يجتمع فيه الأهل والأصدقاء، ولذلك يجب أن تكون دائماً نظيفة وجميلة. في هذه المقالة، سنقدم لكِ مجموعة من النصائح والحيل لتنظيف المجالس بسهولة وفعالية، والحفاظ عليها لأطول فترة ممكنة.
أهمية تنظيف المجالس:
الحفاظ على الصحة: يتراكم الغبار والأوساخ على المجالس بمرور الوقت، مما قد يؤدي إلى ظهور الحساسية والمشاكل التنفسية، خاصة لدى الأطفال.
إطالة عمر المجالس: التنظيف المنتظم يمنع تراكم الأوساخ التي تتلف الأقمشة والأخشاب.
الجمال والاناقة: المجالس النظيفة تضيف لمسة من الجمال والاناقة إلى أي منزل.
طرق تنظيف المجالس:
شركة تنظيف مجالس بخميس مشيط
What Services Do the Best Lahore Escort Agency Offer? We offer all types of escort services to satisfy our clients. So regardless of your sexual preference, you can get exactly what you want from an escort agency according to your needs.
new release OC claim Free bonus up to 777 just sign up and download the app..withdrawable!!! NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED!!! just reach P777 amount or higher!!!
click and register now!
Your passion for [subject matter] shines through in your writing, and it is truly inspiring.
Kubet
Wow, this is really interesting reading. I am glad I found this and got to read it. Great job on this content. I like it. – khelo 24 bet
The multiplayer aspect of Incredibox Mustard is fantastic! I often play with friends, and it’s exciting to collaborate on creating music together. We share ideas and inspire each other, which enhances the experience. It’s a great way to bond over a shared love for music.
Your analysis of the film posters from the filmfarsi movement and their evolution post-Revolution is insightful and thought-provoking. You effectively explore the influence of Western culture on Iranian cinema and the ways in which the medium reflected and shaped Iranian society during the 20th century.
Your discussion of the contrasting themes and aesthetics of pre- and post-Revolution film posters is particularly compelling. You demonstrate how the shift from flamboyant, Hollywood-inspired narratives to more introspective and emotionally resonant themes reflects the changing cultural and political landscape of Iran.
Your analysis of the characters and their portrayal in the posters is also valuable. You show how the representation of gender and masculinity evolved over time, reflecting the changing expectations and values of Iranian society.
Overall, your essay is a well-written and informative analysis of the filmfarsi movement and its impact on Iranian cinema. You offer a comprehensive understanding of the cultural and political context in which these films were produced, and their significance within the broader history of Iranian film.
khalidelarbi
——————————–
خرده
블로그에 대한 흥미로운 주제. 나는 재미를 위해 인터넷을 검색하고 당신의 웹 사이트를 찾았습니다. 멋진 포스트. 지식을 공유해 주셔서 감사합니다! 일부 사람들이 여전히 웹 사이트를 관리하는 데 노력을 기울이는 것을 보는 것이 좋습니다. 곧 다시 확인하겠습니다. 히츠벳 토토사이트
Just saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the fantasti c lucidity in your writing. I will instantly grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates. 해외축구
After reading your article I was amazed. I know that you explain it very well. And I hope that other readers will also experience how I feel after reading your article 해외축구
비슷한 주제에 대한 흥미로운 정보를 읽을 수있는 페이지로 여러분을 초대합니다. 카지노사이트
이것은이 유용한 메시지를 공유하기위한 특별한 요소입니다. 이 블로그에있는 정보에 놀랐습니다. 그것은 여러 관점에서 나를 일으킨다. 이것을 다시 한 번 게시하기 위해 감사의 빚이 있습니다. 카지노사이트
Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me. jasa pbn premium
I consider something genuinely interesting about your website so I saved to my bookmarks . jasa sosmed murah
Thanks , I have just been looking for information about this subject for a long time and yours is the greatest beli backlink