Seven Unforgettable Fathers of Contemporary Cinema: Power, Trauma, and the Collapse of Authority

Introduction

In recent years, contemporary cinema has increasingly focused on the father figure as a central narrative force. No longer limited to the traditional role of protector or provider, modern films explore fathers as sources of trauma, moral conflict, emotional absence, and even destruction. This shift reflects broader cultural anxieties surrounding masculinity, authority, generational conflict, and the fragile structure of the modern family.

Across critically acclaimed dramas and commercially successful box office films, the image of the father has transformed into a complex cinematic symbol. He may appear as a tyrant ruling his household through fear, a wounded man crushed under psychological pressure, or a silent hero struggling to protect his child against impossible odds. These portrayals are not accidental. They represent a deliberate artistic movement toward realism, social critique, and psychological depth.

This article examines seven unforgettable father characters from major films released during the year 1404 (calendar reference), each offering a distinct interpretation of paternal identity. From pure villainy to tragic heroism, these characters reveal how cinema uses fatherhood to explore power, guilt, sacrifice, and emotional survival.

1. Old Man – The Evil Shadow of a Father

Director: Oktay Baraheni
Genre: Psychological drama, family tragedy
Key Cast: Hassan Pourshirazi, Hamed Behdad, Leila Hatami

A Father as the Embodiment of Destruction

In Old Man, the father is not merely flawed—he is pure malevolence. Played with chilling intensity by Hassan Pourshirazi, this character stands as one of the most disturbing portrayals of paternal authority in recent cinema.

Unlike tragic fathers who act out of fear or trauma, this man is fully conscious of his cruelty. He manipulates, exploits, and emotionally annihilates his family, particularly his two sons. His household functions like a prison, where personal ambition outweighs love, responsibility, and even the survival of his children.