Iran may sue over ‘unrealistic’ Best Picture winner ‘Argo’
Just when you thought the controversy surrounding Ben Affleck's Oscar-winning thriller "Argo" had begun to die down, along comes the nation of Iran to add yet another wacky -- and possibly legal -- dimension to the whole affair.
According to numerous Iranian news outlets, the government of Iran is apparently determined to sue Hollywood over the what it argues is an "unrealistic portrayal" of the country in Affleck's Best Picture winner. Iran and its 1979 Islamic revolution form the backdrop for "Argo," which depicts a fictionalized version of the daring rescue of six American diplomats from Tehran.
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The country previously called Affleck's film anti-Iranian propaganda after its Oscar win, equating U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama's award show appearance as essentially a tacit endorsement of "Argo" by the Obama administration. However, the idea of a lawsuit against the movie is probably just more bluster by Iranian authorities. After a screening of "Argo," government officials reportedly met at an event called "The Hoax of Hollywood" (sounds like a great venue for a fair hearing) to discuss legal options. High profile French lawyer Isabelle Coutant-Peyre was also apparently in attendance to advise Iranian officials. Coutant-Peyre is, of course, famous for representing convicted terrorists Carlos the Jackal and Zacarias Moussaoui, the former of whom she is currently engaged to be married. Talk about an A-Team!
A statement released by officials after the meeting said that "awarding an anti-Iran movie is a propaganda attack against our nation and entire humanity." OK, then.
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We'd like to point out the irony of the authoritarian Iranian regime criticizing another country over the use of propaganda and attempting to use legal recourse to fight Ben Affleck's right to free expression (where were you for "Daredevil" or "Gigli," Iran?). But, it probably wouldn't do any good. How, exactly, Iran plans to sue "Hollywood" as a whole is unknown, as is the legal basis for such a case under international law. It is assumed that the Iranian government is referring to the studios and producers involved in bringing "Argo" to the big screen.
Canada, whose role in the Hollywood film was greatly diminished to put the spotlight on American characters, probably has a much better case against "Argo" and Affleck. Perhaps the Great White North should follow suit and sue "Hollywood."