The Great Silence
Plot
Based on the limited information available, the film appears to follow Azar, a literature student at Jundishapur School of Ahwaz, whose sister Parvin has separated from her husband Jamshid and become involved with criminal elements. Azar distances himself from his sister and marries Homayoun, a fellow student. The relationship between Azar and Homayoun deteriorates when Homayoun discovers the connection between Azar and Parvin, leading to their separation. The story likely explores themes of family loyalty, moral choices, and social consequences in 1970s Iranian society.
Director
Mahmoud Kushan
About the Production
Very limited production information is available for this film. It appears to be an Iranian drama from the pre-revolutionary period of Iranian cinema, which was experiencing a cultural renaissance at the time.
Historical Background
This film was produced in 1977 Iran, during a period of significant social and political tension preceding the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The late 1970s saw Iran experiencing rapid modernization alongside growing discontent with the monarchy. Iranian cinema during this period, known as the Iranian New Wave, was becoming increasingly sophisticated and internationally recognized for its artistic merit and social commentary. Films from this era often explored themes of tradition versus modernity, family dynamics, and social justice, reflecting the complex transformation of Iranian society.
Why This Film Matters
As a product of pre-revolutionary Iranian cinema, this film represents an important transitional period in Iran's cultural history. The Iranian New Wave of the 1960s and 1970s established the country as a significant force in world cinema, with directors like Abbas Kiarostami, Sohrab Shahid Saless, and Masoud Kimiai gaining international recognition. Films from this era often served as subtle commentaries on Iranian society and its challenges, using family narratives to explore broader social issues.
Making Of
Unfortunately, detailed behind-the-scenes information about this film is not widely available in documented sources. The film appears to be part of the Iranian New Wave cinema movement that was gaining prominence in the 1970s, which often focused on social issues and family dynamics. The pre-revolutionary Iranian film industry was producing many socially conscious dramas during this period, though many films from this era have limited international documentation.
Memorable Scenes
- The confrontation between Azar and Parvin about her life choices
- The deterioration of Azar and Homayoun's marriage
- Azar's studies at Jundishapur School representing intellectual pursuit
Did You Know?
- This film should not be confused with the famous 1968 Italian spaghetti western 'The Great Silence' directed by Sergio Corbucci
- The Jundishapur School mentioned in the plot refers to the ancient Academy of Gundishapur, a major center of learning in ancient Persia
- The film was released during the final years of the reign of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, just before the 1979 Iranian Revolution
- Very little documentation about this film exists in international cinema databases
- The cast includes notable Iranian actors of the 1970s era
What Critics Said
Due to limited documentation and distribution, critical reception information for this specific film is not widely available in international film archives or databases. Many Iranian films from this period received limited international distribution, and their critical assessments may exist primarily in Persian-language publications of the era.
What Audiences Thought
Audience reception information is not readily available in documented sources. Iranian cinema in the 1970s had a growing domestic audience, though many films from this period have become obscure due to the political changes that followed the 1979 revolution and the subsequent transformation of Iran's film industry.
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Film Restoration
The preservation status of this film is unknown. Many Iranian films from the pre-revolutionary era face preservation challenges due to political changes, limited archival resources, and the passage of time. Some films from this period have been lost or exist only in poor quality copies.