Zinat

Zinat was a film that revealed aspects of Iranian culture in the early 1990's and, specifically, the role of Iranian women. In one scene Zinat's future mother-in-law discusses how excited she is to have a daughter-in-law to spend all day with. This scene is relvant in understanding how married women were viewed and the expectations placed upon them. Yet, I did find it interesting how the mother-in-law made Zinat sound like her life was to be somewhat of a servant, refined to the perimeters of a house. Why would one woman oppress another? Did she feel Zinat needed to pay her "dues" just as she did? Further, why did she feel the need to close the shutters and remove Zinat from the outside world?

As the medical authority in her town, Zinat was looked to as a leader. Her role in the community was vital. Yet, the knowledge she possessed was of western medicine. In the beginning of the film a woman refuses vaccinations her baby and is accused of giving baby formula away to relatives. This scene reveals the distrust many Iranians had for western culture and medicine. Although many were accepting of new ideas and beliefs, others believed it would cause harm (like the mother claiming the vaccination would kill her baby). This non-acceptance of western medicine is confusing to me because of the time period of the film. If the setting had been in the early 1900's it would be more understandable of how people were ignorant to modern medicine. But with the knowledge of diseases and health threats to children, how could a person decline medical treatment that could, potentially, save their child's life?

While discussing their daughter’s proposed marriage, Zinat’s parents discuss her position as a medical worker. Her mother blames her husband for Zinat’s opposition to being married and not being allowed to work in her field. It seems like she resents Zinat for being educated and worries about her future as a woman. Zinat’s marriage is to very important to her. The blame that is being put on Zinat’s father seems contradictory to me. In their conversation she says, “You wanted her to be a doctor” as to proclaim he ruined Zinat’s life. Life in Iran in the early 1990’s was progressive and regressive at the same time. Why were the women in this film more opposed to change then the men?

The ending of this movie was rather open ended. I expected it to end “happily ever after” but the filmmaker left the conclusion up to audience interpretation. If I was to give this film a definite ending I would make the role of Zinat’s husband more supportive. Zinat hopes he will help her save the child’s life and be supportive of her medical abilities, but he is very reluctant to do so. In “my version” I would have him help Zinat in the procedure she performs to save the little girl’s life, then tell his mother that Zinat will be working in the clinic with (or without) her approval. He seems rather spineless throughout the film and too accepting of his mother’s demands.