Asghar Farhadi, Hollywood and the Politics of Cinema

Asghar Farhadi’s View of American Democracy

Perhaps the most provocative part of Farhadi’s interview was his statement regarding American democracy.

He argued that Americans frequently present their country as a democratic model but that, in his view, the reality is more complicated.

His statement that “you do not have democracy; it is a lie” was particularly provocative because it is an absolute formulation.

That wording explains much of the subsequent reaction.

Supporters may understand it as a deliberately provocative critique of American political power, inequality and international influence.

Critics have interpreted it as an exaggerated political statement that requires Farhadi to explain what alternative standard of democracy he is applying.

The disagreement illustrates a larger problem with political language.

Different countries perform differently across these dimensions.

Consequently, the statement that a country “has democracy” or “does not have democracy” can conceal a much more complicated reality.

Farhadi’s critics have therefore asked what criteria he uses when making such a sweeping statement.

October 5, 2026 | 7:22 pm