TEHRAN, IRAN – Iran's state TV dismissed the Oscar-winning film "Argo" on Monday as an "advertisement for the CIA," and some Iranians called the award a political statement by America for its unflattering portrayal of the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. And while "Argo" has not appeared in any Iranian cinema, there has been no shortage of buzz from those who saw the movie through bootleg DVD networks.
The discussions over "Argo" in Iran have often pried open a generational divide: Iranians who took part in the 1979 Islamic Revolution picking apart the portrayals of Tehran during the time, and Iranians too young to recall the events getting a different view of the upheavals. "I want to know what the other side is saying," said Shieda, a 21-year-old University of Tehran student who gave only her first name to avoid possible backlash.
Fifty-two Americans were held hostage for 444 days, but a handful of embassy staff were sheltered by the Canadian ambassador. Their escape, using a fake movie as a cover story, is recounted in "Argo." Actor-director Ben Affleck "goes and shows scenes of a very violent and very angry mob throughout the film," said Tehran City Council Member Masoomeh Ebtekar — who was one of the students who occupied the U.S. Embassy. "It is never mentioned that these are a group of students."
The semiofficial Mehr news agency called the Oscar "politically motivated" because First Lady Michelle Obama joined Jack Nicholson via video link to help present the best picture prize. Iran's state TV called the movie "an advertisement for the CIA."
Jacoby takes his fancy dance moves to TV
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones is the newest contestant to join TV's "Dancing With the Stars."
Jones was the first contestant announced Sunday night for the show's new season. The announcement came during a commercial that aired during ABC's telecast of the Academy Awards. The other new contestants will be announced Tuesday on "Good Morning America." The show premieres March 18. Jones is known for his dance moves in the end zone after a touchdown. Three other NFL players have won the competition: Emmitt Smith, Hines Ward and Donald Driver. Jones scored two TDs in the Ravens' Super Bowl victory.
The bus to the capitol: Rosa Parks made history in 1955 by refusing to move to the back of the bus — and she will make history again this week when a statue of her is placed in the U.S. Capitol. It will be the first full-size statue of an African-American in the Capitol collection of more than 180 statues.
News Services
