Representation of Mental Disorders in Dariush Mehrjoui's Cinema: An Analytical Study of Three Films of Cow, Hamoon and Pari

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Mental disorders have been considered in the films of many directors, including Dariush Mehrjoui. Therefore, the aim of this research was investigate how mental disorders are represented in Dariush Mehrjoui's cinema through an analytical study of three films of Cow, Hamoon, and Pari.

Methodology: This was a descriptive from type of qualitative. The present research selected three films of cow, Hamon, and Perry by purposive sampling method and examined the using the Fiske's semiotics and social and cultural studies model, Selby and Cowdery's technical and social codes model, and Barthes' model of communication elements and visual and narrative signs related to mental disorders. This research was conducted to answer questions about recognizing mental disorders and attempting to treat them, the existence of mental health messages and referral to a specialist, the way families and those around them react, the way society reacts, instability, maladjustment, and antisocial, and the role of Psychological and psychiatric specialists in treatment. The data were obtained through observation of visual text, dialog, and cinematic symbols and were analyzed by content analysis.

Findings: The results of this study showed that Dariush Mehrjoui presented different representations of mental disorders in these three films, which each one reflected the attitudes and social and cultural contexts of their time.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the current situation of mental disorders of their time, which can help the country's specialists and planners understand the current situation and design programs to improve it.