Along with Abbas Kiarostami and Jafar Panahi, Mohsen Makhmalbaf is one of the greatest Iranian film directors, whose filmography includes such diverse works as ''Salaam Cinema'', ''Gabbeh'', ''The Silence'' and ''Kandahar''. Unlike most of his compatriots, he is an avid globetrotter, travelling from Tajikistan to Afghanistan to India to film his unique masterpieces widely praised for their startling imagery and poetic qualities. But in a startling departure from the past (not only for Makhmalbaf himself, but for the Iranian cinema as a whole), ''Scream of the Ants'' is an erotic drama. Of course, it's quite tame by Western standards, but it definitely will never be allowed to play in Iran (unless at least 10 minutes are cut from the film). The film tells a story of a young Iranian couple on a honeymoon in India. He is an atheist. She (Mahnour Shadzi) is a believer. Slowly, they soak their souls in the exotic, sensuous and mystic atmosphere of the Hindu culture. The results are quite pleasing on the eye, and often humorous as well (this might be Makhmalbaf's most hilarious work since ''Salaam Cinema''), especially in a starling sequence about an Indian ''guru'' who allegedly can stop the train with his eyes. The brilliant monologue, in which the guru explains his predicament, is both amusing and poignant. But this film is definitely not for all tastes. Its soft eroticism and its unique sense of humour might enchant some viewers (especially those who already appreciate Makhmalbaf's earlier films), but others might be totally put off. This review is an interesting example of a gag reflex that an average viewer (probably more accustomed to ''The Silence of the Lambs'' than to ''The Silence'' of Makhmalbaf), might have towards this challenging film.
