I saw that picture of Mohsen Makhmalbaf and his daughter, Samira, on Radio Zamaneh's "Today's Photograph" section (Akse Emrooz), showing them at the Cannes Film Festival. I suppose by entitling the photograph "Makhmalbaf in 2007," someone wanted to bring attention to how his appearance has changed over the years, from austere revolutionary garb to a suit (maybe a tuxedo) with a bow-tie. I don't care what he wears, what he says, where he lives, and even what his children do. I respect Mohsen Makhmalbaf for his films in which he consistently and remarkably shows us to ourselves in seemingly effortless and easy ways. The pictures above are of his movie, Noon-o-Goldoon (Literal translation is Bread and Flower Pot, but which is translated into A Moment of Innocence), which is based on his own life's story. It is one of the most poignant and thought-provoking movies I have ever seen. He takes his audience on a journey, showing us both his young idealist life and his mature years of facing disappointments after the Iranian Revolution. He also portrays the ideals, dreams, and fears of the new Iranian generation vis a vis those of his own generation, and how under similar circumstances, they might not make the same choices as their parents did. I think this was one of my most favorite movies ever. If ever you get a chance to see it, see it! 
6 comments:
nice photos nazi jan,
the most important things in photos is how art can influence some one's life.
As you said, without considering dressing, compare Makhmalbaf in 25 years ago and ESTEAZE movie whith now.
How somebody could change!
bayram
Wonderful post. I have to check it out. He definitely has not stagnated in his personal growth like many others who are fixated on a particular time or phase in their lives.
Salam Bayram Jan! Yes, he has changed, as we all have. When I saw him in the recent documentary by Nader Takmil Homayoun, he was talking bitterly about censorship of movies in Iran. Of course, all my opinions about the subject of movies, is completely "jesaratan" in your presence! Be good my friend.
Salam Serendip Jan! You are so scarce now! I do come and visit your blog everyday. I like all Makhmalbaf's movies, but his "Salam Cinema" and this movie are really sweet and telling of how the Iranian society has changed. There are very funny parts to the movies, too, so it is less of that "gloom and doom" of contemporary Iranian cinema, which contributes to the entertainment value of the work. Of course, I am really not an expert on the subject of cinema; I just talk my own piece! Be good Serendip! Come back soon.
I have always appreciated him, though I haven't watched his latest movies to see what kind of change is "there". I do not care much for what people love to wear, either; but considering what happens in Iran and what he used to wear, this picture deserves a "wow"!
Sala Yek Negah Jan. I have a good friend who teaches Iranian Cinema at Berkeley. I am going to see if she has any new Makhmalbaf movies for me to see! Did you see Silence? I want to see that one again, hoping that it would have subtitles by now. When I saw it in a godawful theatre in Tehran, the sound was bad and though they spoke Farsi, the accent and the bad sound kept me from hearing the dialogue. I'll let you know if I find out anything new. Thanks for coming agin. Take care.
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