The House Is Black

The House Is Black is an exquisite and spellbinding documentary film directed by Forugh Farrokhzad, a notable Iranian poetess. Released in 1963, this film dramatically interweaves Persian poetry with haunting imagery, manifesting itself as an empathetic portrayal of life in a leper colony in Northern Iran, which intentionally challenges and reshapes the viewer's perceptions of beauty, suffering, and humanity.

This 22-minute poignant film serves as Farrokhzad's solitary venture into filmmaking before her untimely death. From a broader perspective, it's remarkable in its fusion of art and social documentary, where Farrokhzad employs her iconic lyrical style, making it distinguished in the genre of Iranian New Wave Cinema.

The film stars Forugh Farrokhzad herself as the narrator, along with Ebrahim Golestan and Hossein Mansouri. Golestan, a distinguished Iranian writer and filmmaker, served as the film's producer, while the young boy Mansouri played a prominent role with his resonant voice echoing through the scenes.

The House Is Black lays the foundation by focusing on the stark reality of leprosy rather than romanticizing the obscure aspects for aesthetic appeal. The black and white cinematography by Soleiman Minasian conveys the grim environment in the colony, often emphasized by close-ups of the residents to detail their deformities in an unflinchingly honest manner. It captures the everyday mundane activities, simple and bleak, but also filled with the spirit of endurance and survival.

However, it is not a film designed to evoke pity; instead, it intends to make the audience confront their discomfort and question their individual standards of beauty. Farrokhzad's poetic narration punctuates the scenes, making profound observations about life, suffering, and acceptance while inviting the viewers to find beauty in these misunderstood and marginalized individuals living in the shadows of society.

The minimal background music in the film remains an integral part of its narrative. Farrokhzad employs the traditional Iranian music to evoke an emotional response in the viewers and enhance the overall ambiance of intimate storytelling. It often underscores the moments of joy, despair, and reflection among the residents, creating a profound sense of humaneness in an otherwise bleak backdrop.

Throughout the film, Farrokhzad employs a range of emotive shots- from the enactment of biblical stories to a joyous wedding ceremony within the colony; these serve as powerful visual metaphors intertwining with the lyrical narration. It conveys the universal themes of love, spiritual faith, and death, underlying their common existence in humanity, regardless of their physical appearance or societal status.

The House Is Black stands unique as a documentary that beautifully encapsulates the dichotomy of life's ugliness and beauty. The evocative narration by Forugh Farrokhzad, combined with the simple, poignant imagery produces an emotive experience for the viewers, making it an unforgettable testament to the human spirit. The film does not evade the truth of the harsh conditions within the leper colony but instead embraces it, highlighting that life does not cease to exist amidst suffering. Rather, it discovers new ways to persist and smile.

Contrary to the common perception of the leper colony as a place of exclusion and despair, Farrokhzad's film paints a moving picture of a community that subsists on resilience and hope. The inhabitants are illuminated not merely as victims but as individuals living with their afflictions—one of the film's most significant attributes.

Above all else, The House is Black reaches out beyond the confines of its screen to resonate with viewers on a deeply personal level. It challenges perceptions, evokes empathy, and nudges us to acknowledge, appreciate, and find beauty in the imperfections and blemishes of life. A timeless classic, Forugh Farrokhzad's The House Is Black is indeed a cinematic marvel that leaves you contemplating and shifts your perception about the world, making it a must-watch for every cinephile.