Dariush Mehrjui's "Leila"...
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Dariush Mehrjui's "Leila"...
I finished my graphic review on the weekend of "Leila" a fine Iranian film...
You may access it here:
http://www.leila.dvdbeaver.com
Would love to hear comments by any who have seen it...
excerpt:
Cheers
You may access it here:
http://www.leila.dvdbeaver.com
Would love to hear comments by any who have seen it...
excerpt:
Just prior to my DVD purchase and viewing of a 1996 Iranian film; "Leila", by journeyman director Dariush Mehrjui, I had discussed it with two of my closest friends, who happen to be recent immigrants from Iran. Coincidentally they mentioned that just two weeks prior they had escorted the lead actress of the film (also named Leila; Leila Hatami) and her husband, around our city of residence; Toronto, Canada.
I have them to thank for my exposure and cultural knowledge that they have patiently shared with me about Iran. With a smattering of this background, it helped elevate my enjoyment and understanding of the film to a much more advanced level.
"Leila" starts with a communal effort in the making of 'sholezard" pudding. Each person adding ingredients and taking turns stirring the huge fire-laden pot. The traditional dish, its preparation and the family involvement parallel prevalent themes throughout the film.
In a relaxed, restrained cinematic style, reminding me very much of my favorite director Eric Rohmer, Mehrjui subtly and non-judgmentally exposes the harsh societal realities of traditional Islamic life with a backdrop of the thriving cityscape of Tehran. Filmed in dark earth-tones, this is a microscopic look at the customary and accepted oppression of females in the modern world.
I have them to thank for my exposure and cultural knowledge that they have patiently shared with me about Iran. With a smattering of this background, it helped elevate my enjoyment and understanding of the film to a much more advanced level.
"Leila" starts with a communal effort in the making of 'sholezard" pudding. Each person adding ingredients and taking turns stirring the huge fire-laden pot. The traditional dish, its preparation and the family involvement parallel prevalent themes throughout the film.
In a relaxed, restrained cinematic style, reminding me very much of my favorite director Eric Rohmer, Mehrjui subtly and non-judgmentally exposes the harsh societal realities of traditional Islamic life with a backdrop of the thriving cityscape of Tehran. Filmed in dark earth-tones, this is a microscopic look at the customary and accepted oppression of females in the modern world.
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Great review, Gary. I found your comparison of Dariush Mehrjui to Eric Rohmer at first startling but then again it makes sense when I think about it.
At this point I've only been able to see three of Mehrjui's films; my favourite being "The Lady" followed by "Leila" and then "Hamoon". I always found his directing style to be like Yasujiro Ozu's.
At this point I've only been able to see three of Mehrjui's films; my favourite being "The Lady" followed by "Leila" and then "Hamoon". I always found his directing style to be like Yasujiro Ozu's.