A study on the examination of proxemic changes between cultures through places in cinema films

The presence of distinct expectations or the projection of unique qualities onto the living space by an individual, as well as the portrayal of such scenarios throughout history, is a phenomenon. The Personal Space Theory (Proxemics), which delves into the examinations regarding the user of space defining the physical space with different distance parameters and behavioral patterns, argues that one of the reasons contributing to this diversity is cultural differences. The aspects of Proxemics concept introduced by American anthropologist Edward Hall, scrutinized in a cultural context, have been explored through the lens of Japanese and Iranian cultures, chosen within the scope of this thesis. Due to perceived differences in interpersonal behavior and spatial usage, Japanese and Iranian cultures were deemed suitable for this study. Cinema venues, reflecting cultural qualities in terms of space usage, were utilized as the observational method in this research, investigating the positions and behavioral habits of users within spaces. Directors who typically depict daily life, predominantly within home spaces, and are considered to assist in identifying cultural characteristics were evaluated within the scope of this study. Three films each from Japanese director Yasujirō Ozu and Iranian director Asghar Farhadi were analyzed, resulting in a total of six films within the thesis. Spatial organizations and concepts of privacy associated with the Proxemics concept were integrated into spatial readings. The examined distance relationships, characterized by the tactile theme of close proximity, were analyzed through characters, and the findings were evaluated through graphics and comparative tables. The study revealed that the features of close contact observed in Japanese culture were significantly less prevalent in Iranian culture, indicating limited intrusion into personal space. The fixed-space understanding present in Iranian culture did not apply to Japanese culture, emphasizing the importance of functionality in spatial usage. Cross-cultural comparisons based on the examined films demonstrated that the characteristics of both cultures contribute to diversity in spatial usage and interpersonal behavior.