The Report

The Report (1977) is a gripping drama from Iranian cinema, helmed by the renowned director Abbas Kiarostami. This movie marks the international breakthrough of the celebrated actress Shohreh Aghdashloo, alongside Kurosh Afsharpanah and Mehdi Montazar, who's dramatic prowess highlighted the film's underlying themes.

Set in the bustling cityscape of Tehran, the movie paints a vivid picture of Iranian society and culture during the 1970s. With an intense focus on human relationships and societal expectations, the film puts into play themes of career struggles, marital discord, and the desperation of change.

Shohreh Aghdashloo carries the movie with her breathtaking portrayal of a woman dealing with burdensome domestic monotony and agony. Her character tries to juggle her responsibilities towards her work and marriage, struggling to maintain a balance between her personal desires and societal obligations. As the narrative unfolds, she becomes a symbol of suppressed female voices battling against the odds in their effort to claim their rightful existence in a male-dominated society. Aghdashloo's performance in The Report sets a milestone in her career, marking her journey from Iran's cinema to Hollywood.

Alongside Aghdashloo's remarkable performance, Kurosh Afsharpanah's portrayal of a complex and flawed character adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Afsharpanah's character grapples with his career aspirations and his diminishing marital happiness. Hindered by his insecurities and shortcomings, he devolves into a journey filled with bitterness and frustration.

Witnessing the turmoil of the couple, Mehdi Montazar's character introduces a refreshing and contrasting aspect to the narrative. Montazar's portrayal of a bystander unintentionally involved in their marital chaos unfolds a unique perspective.

The Report exhibits Kiarostami’s remarkable directing styles, as he beautifully encapsulates constrained spaces, minimalistic approach, and authentic performances. Also, his ingenious storytelling style effectively delves into the real-life situations and lingering dissatisfaction of the middle-class Iranian society during that time.

The film's standout feature lies in its screenplay, which is highly realistic and relatable. The dialogue and situations presented feel real and mirror the actual lives of the people of Tehran during the 1970s. Apart from decoding the societal norms and blasphemies, the screenplay also throws light on aspects like gender roles and the perception of women in the society of that era.

The ambiance created by the cinematography is hauntingly realistic. The monotonous color palette, the simplistic shots, and the unembellished set design contribute to the everyday-life portrayal of the narrative. The use of naturalistic light and location further heightens the authenticity of the movie.

Furthermore, the movie's sound design is remarkable. The sounds of the bustling city, the chirping of birds, the music coming from a radio playing in a corner of a room – all these everyday sounds make significant contributions to the realistic portrayal of the plot.

To sum it up, The Report is a socially observant and thought-provoking drama that cinematically narrates the complexities and struggles of an Iranian couple in the 70s. While the thoughtful performances and the skilled direction take the main stage, the movie also enriches the viewers' experience with its realistic screenplay, immersive cinematography, and intricate sound design. This film provides viewers with a palpable sense of the societal undercurrents of that time and their lingering impacts on personal relationships. The Report allows us a glimpse into the culturally rich yet often unexplored world of Iranian cinema.