Interview: Asghar Farhadi Discusses ‘A Hero’ and the Perceptive Nature of His Work

Asghar Farhadi is a fascinating guy to interview. The writer and director is responsible for some of the most superb international cinema efforts of the past decade and change. Namely, A Separation is something truly special. Now doing press for his latest work, A Hero, this opportunity was really something unique. He actually has an interpreter do the interview with him, despite being fluent in English. In fact, he even chimes in from time to time, though he mostly confers with his interpreter before they respond. Quickly, you realize that it’s to allow for a precise response, which makes my nonsense feel somewhat important. It’s a really interesting experience. Today, I present it to you all.

Below, you can hear my conversation with Farhadi. We don’t just talk about A Hero, either, though I bring up several aspects of the film. I wanted to know about his take on how his work is interpreted throughout the world, so I brought up many of his movies. A Separation is obviously one I had to bring up, since it’s his masterpiece, though the new flick is hardly a slouch. As more of you see it, you’ll understand what I’m talking about…

This is some of what I had to say about A Hero, back at the Toronto International Film Festival:

When you watch a movie by Asghar Farhadi, you know that a potentially simple story is always a vessel for more complexity and an examination of human behavior. A Separation is about as impeccable an example of this as it gets. So, in a way, Farhadi has set the bar quite high for himself….A Hero has the complex point of view that Farhadi executes with surgical precision. 

Here now is my interview with A Hero filmmaker Asghar Farhadi. Enjoy:

A Hero is out now!