A sit down with Asghar Farhadi
I recently had the honor to sit down with the Director/Writer/Producer of the 2012 Golden Globe Best Foreign Language Film “A Separation”, Asghar Farhadi. This was the first interview I conducted with a person and their interpreter. While a few things may have been lost in translation, this interview gave me more insight to a movie that will open the eyes and minds of everyone who experiences it.
“This movie is more of a character study, and doesn’t show the differences in religion or aspects of the country, but it tells a story of the people that are involved. “
David Limacher: I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to sit down and discuss your film “A Separation”.
Asghar Farhadi: It is my pleasure; thank you.
DL: I wanted to start off by asking you how does it feel that this movie is being so well regarded and accepted in the United States and did you expect the reaction it has received?
AF: I made the film in Tehran, Iran and while writing and shooting this movie I thought it would be something for the people of Iran. I never took into consideration what people of other countries would think of it. I was concerned with making a movie that the people of Iran could watch and be proud of. The highlight of the movie to me is that I see ordinary people, in the United States and other countries, watching my movie in theaters and getting their reactions. People tend to view this movie as something that they can understand or take away certain feelings about and not think about it taking place in Iran or somewhere they may not be familiar with. That makes me proud of this movie and the work I put into it.
DL: The acting in “A Separation” is phenomenal, and that leads me into my next question. Nominations for acting have been given to foreign films before; do you feel that the acting or even you for writing and directing deserve consideration for awards?
AF: I cannot predict that. I choose not to predict that as well. I am proud of everyone that was a part of this movie, and it is not up to me for nominations. It is very seldom that nominations are given to films of foreign language in other categories. If anyone were lucky enough to receive a nomination, or even myself, I would be very happy. I would be proud of them, and even if there aren’t any nominations, I am very proud of this movie.
DL: The cultural diversity of this film really opened my eyes. Was that something you thought about while you were making it?
AF: I was not thinking about that at all. I say it is the typical cliché of the West. I believe if you want to gain a greater understanding of the cultural aspects of Iran then a person should open an Encyclopedia and learn; rather than be dictated a story that could be biased or only tell a single side of a vast story. This movie is more of a character study, and doesn’t show the differences in religion or aspects of the country, but it tells a story of the people that are involved. The people of Iran are a beautiful people, and that is something constantly overlooked I believe.
DL: Thank You for that answer, and the movie really is more of a character study than a history lesson.
AF: It is, and I hope people gain a better understanding of the people after they have seen it.
DL: I know I gained a better understanding of the people after seeing this movie than I had before.
AF: Thank You. I’m glad it showed you more about the people of Iran, and not just the things often thought about.
DL: This leads me into my next question. Films like “A Separation” can be easily remade for broader audiences using bigger named actors and such. Would you like to see that happen with “A Separation”? Also, if a studio decided to remake the movie, and you were approached to direct; would you accept that opportunity?
AF: The making on my part is completed. I would be curious to be a spectator if something like that did happen. I might enjoy seeing a different interpretation of my work, and how a different culture may try to work things and mold it into their own. I am attempting not to dwell on this one movie. I say that because if I get attached to certain aspects of this movie or the acclaim that the movie has received, it could affect my future work. I don’t want people seeing another movie I make in the future and think it is the same story as “A Separation”. I want my past and future work to speak alone, and if this is my greatest accomplishment, then I will be happy.
DL: One great thing about the movie was when I thought I knew all the answers, the movie changed the questions.
AF: More than “knowing” the answers, I believe the movie gives the viewer questions. This was something that happened to me while I was writing the movie. When I was writing the movie I said that my own feelings wouldn’t be the feelings of the movie. The story was pulling me in, and started writing itself as well.
***POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT***
DL: I have time for one last question. The ending left interpretation wide open for the viewer. I have my own feeling, but as the writer what ending did you interpret?
AF: I have no problem answering this question, but who do you think Termeh chose to be with?
DL: I believe she chose her mother Simin.
AF: Ah, most people think she chose her father Nader. The thing people don’t understand is this is not the important thing to gain from the ending. The aspect I was going for was which lifestyle Termeh chose for herself. Does she want to be more like her mother or her father? This is the question that lies underneath, and the most overlooked aspect of the movie.
DL: WOW! I never even thought of that, and it really opens up my eyes to a complete aspect of the movie I had overlooked before.
AF: I’m glad I could give that to you.
***END SPOILER ALERT***
DL: I wanted to thank you very much for your time, and wish you the best of luck during awards season for “A Separation” and also for your future movies.
AF: Thank You as well. It was a pleasure speaking with you and seeing your passion for this movie as well.
January 27th, 2012 at 10:49 am
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