Tehran Class Flashcards
1
Q
Tehran Product Context
A
- Israeli spy drama thriller series created for the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC)
- Tehran was released internationally on Apple TV+, becoming the first non-English series on the platform
- Majority of the dialogue is in Hebrew and Persian, with English subtitles available
2
Q
Behind the scenes
A
- Directed by Daniel Syrkin, created and written by Moshe Zander, also know for his work on Fauda
- Niv Sutlan underwent Persian Language lessons and Krav Maga training for her role
- Tehran premiered in Israel and gained global attention, similar to Fauda on Netflix
3
Q
Tehran plot summary
A
- Tehran follows Tamar Rabinyan, a hacker agent for Mossad, on an undercover mission to disable an Iranian nuclear reactor
- The series explores the tension between Iran and Israel regarding Iran
- Season 1 depicts Rabinyan mission in Iran, her birthplace
4
Q
Recognition and renewal
A
- Tehran won and Emmy for best drama series, the first Israeli series to achieve this
- Apple TV+ renewed Tehran for a second series, released in May 2022
5
Q
Spy thriller genre
A
- Spy thrillers focus on fictional espionage, often featuring solo undercover agents
- Popular for providing escapism with exotic locations, fast-paced action, and a clear protagonist
- Tehran adheres to genre conventions, with a narrative set in the context of the Iran-Israel proxy conflict
6
Q
Genre evolution
A
- Spy thriller TV genres have evolved from theatres to TV screens over the past two decades
- Tehran shares similarities in structure, fast-paced narrative, and real-life context
- Tehran reflects current tensions between Iran and Israel, making it culturally relevant
7
Q
Breaking gender norms
A
- Tehran features a female protagonist, Tamar, breaking the traditional male spy character stereotype
- Reflects audience demands for more dynamic and original characters
- Similar to Killing Eve, Tehran places a woman at the centre of the narrative
8
Q
Media Language - Visual Codes
A
- Dress codes play a crucial role in establishing character identity and ideological stance in Tehran
- The use of dress codes helps anchor the cultural context of the show for the audience
9
Q
Media Language - Technical codes
A
- Handheld camera use at the beginning of episode 1 creates an immediate sense of action and tension
10
Q
Media Language - Audio codes
A
- Tehran uses a mixture of languages, including Persian, Hebrew, and English
- Mark Eliyahu’s enigmatic score, incorporating Iranian instruments, contributes to the show’s identity
11
Q
Theoretical approach - Todorov
A
- Tehran’s first episode throws the audience into the critical stage of the mission without a traditional build-up
- Immediate immersion in the action chosen over a more traditional narrative structure
12
Q
Theoretical approach - Neale
A
- Neale’s theory of repetition and difference applies to Tehran, balancing traditional spy thriller conventions with a unique spin
- Tehran establishes itself as a contemporary example of a spy thriller drama series
13
Q
Theoretical approach - Levi Strauss
A
- Tehran is set within the factual context of a political conflict between Israel and Iran
- The media language reinforces a binary opposite between Iranians as the enemy and Tamar (Israelis) as the protagonist
14
Q
Social and cultural context
A
- Viewer understanding of Iran-Israel is crucial for a comprehensive interpretation of Tehran
- Independent research is recommended to grasp historical context, influencing the representation of events, individuals, and social groups
15
Q
Selection and combination in representation
A
- Tamar’s journey in Tehran showcases diverse aspects of Iranian culture
- Scenes of contemporary lifestyle and public execution are juxtaposed, prompting reflection on the producer’s political positioning