Social Commentary
Set against the backdrop of 1970s Iran, The Report subtly critiques the socio-economic conditions of the time. The film portrays a society in transition, grappling with modernity and traditional values. Mohammad’s job in the finance department symbolizes the bureaucratic rigidity of the era, while his moral lapses underscore the disillusionment of the middle class.
The decaying state of Mohammad and Azam’s marriage mirrors the disintegration of social cohesion, as individuals prioritize personal gain and self-indulgence over collective well-being. Through the lens of one family’s struggles, Kiarostami offers a broader commentary on the alienation and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in a rapidly modernizing world.
Domestic Space as a Battleground
Kiarostami uses the domestic space as a microcosm for the larger societal issues at play. The apartment, once a haven for Mohammad and Azam, becomes a battleground where their conflicts unfold. The physical confines of their home reflect the emotional entrapment and suffocation they feel, further amplifying their sense of despair.