Crossword Conquerors: Decoding the Film Clue
Another day, another grid. And today, we’re tackling a clue that’s proving more elusive than a perfectly ripe avocado: “Language of the Asghar Farhadi film ‘The Salesman’.”
For those unfamiliar, Asghar Farhadi is a celebrated Iranian filmmaker known for his deeply human dramas, often exploring complex moral dilemmas within the context of Iranian society. His films are critically acclaimed and have garnered international attention, including multiple Academy Awards. ‘The Salesman,’ released in 2016, is no exception.
The film itself centers around a married couple, Emad and Rana, who are actors performing in a stage production of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman.” Their lives are disrupted when they are forced to move into a new apartment after their building is damaged. A traumatic incident occurs involving Rana, sending their relationship and their sense of stability spiraling.
Given the director’s nationality and the cultural context usually woven into his narratives, many might immediately leap to a specific conclusion. However, crossword clues, as we all know, are rarely straightforward. The beauty (and the frustration) lies in the layers of potential misdirection.
When approaching a clue like this, it’s crucial to consider all possibilities. Let’s break down some initial thoughts and avenues of investigation:
Geographic Origin:
The director is Iranian, which immediately brings to mind the primary tongue spoken in Iran. But does the film’s production location always align with the language spoken? Might it be a co-production with another country? These are vital questions to keep in mind.
Subtitles vs. Original Language:
Crossword clues generally refer to the original spoken dialogue of a film, not the language of the subtitles used for international distribution. This is a crucial distinction to avoid a common trap.
Symbolic Representation:
While less likely, it’s worth briefly considering whether the clue might be referencing a language used symbolically within the film. Does a particular phrase or saying carry significant weight in the plot?
Character Demographics:
Are there any specific characters in the movie, that might speak in a minority tongue?
To help guide you through this challenge, here are a few strategies to consider:
1.
Double-Check the Length:
The number of letters in the answer is paramount. This is your most concrete piece of information. Make sure any potential answers you consider fit perfectly within the grid.
2.
Consider Common Crossword Answers:
Some languages appear more frequently in crosswords than others due to their letter combinations or their brevity. Reflect on previous language-related clues you’ve encountered.
3.
Think Beyond the Obvious:
Don’t fall victim to the most immediate answer. Crossword creators often employ clever wordplay and misdirection.
4.
Leverage Intersecting Letters:
If you have letters filled in from intersecting clues, use them to narrow down your options. These letters can provide invaluable constraints.
Solving this clue may require a little research and a willingness to think outside the box. But the satisfaction of cracking a challenging crossword puzzle is always worth the effort. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
FARSI.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Saturday’s Daily By Malaika Handa / Ed. Patti Varol