A "Cinema of Hope": Cafer Penahi narrative structure in Iranian cinema

Narrative structure analysis is an analysis method aimed at understanding how a text or work is constructed, what elements are used, how these elements are brought together and what kind of meaning is created through this. Characteristics such as who the characters in the film are, how they are depicted, and what characteristics they have are examined. The effects of the characters on the progress and theme of the work are also evaluated. The order in which the events in the work occur and how these events are connected to each other are analyzed. It is examined how the events contribute to the development of the text and how they direct the audience's perception.Analyzes are made on the dramatic development of the events and how they support the general narrative of the text. Elements such as the stylistic preferences of the artist who owns the work and from what perspective he narrates the work (film) are evaluated. The focus is on the effects of these elements on the atmosphere and meaning of the film. The main themes, subtexts and deep meanings of the work are examined. Comments are made on what messages the artist is trying to convey or what ideas he is discussing. The importance of the place (place) and time (time period) in which the film takes place and the contribution of these elements to the meaning of the film are examined. Evaluations are made on the effects of space and time on the atmosphere and characters. Narrative analysis method is a comprehensive analysis method used for in-depth understanding and interpretation of the film. This method provides the audience with a deeper understanding of the content, structure and meaning of the text. The aim of this research is to get to know the director Cafer Panahi closely, to witness his creative struggle against the systematic censorship, bans and imprisonments imposed on him, to examine his films that reveal a unique cinema language globally, and to analyze his cinema style. This analysis includes the subject of the film, the defining characteristics of the characters, how the film reflects the use of space and time, the ethical values conveyed, the shape of the outcome of the film, its visual structure, camera angles, shooting techniques, the use of color and the processing of editing, the use of music, sound effects and dialogues, the story and the emotional atmosphere. It will investigate the make-up style in the film, what atmosphere is wanted to be created, what the cultural codes and symbols used mean, and how the director's style is reflected in the film. In the research, the process of Cafer Penahi cinema, especially from the late 1990s to the present, was examined. "Mirror" (1997), "İn Film Nist" (2011), "Taxi Tahran" (2015), "Three Faces" (2018) constitute the sample films of the thesis.