After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, Our Man in Tehran has been described by many as Argo without the glitz, the glam, and Ben Affleck. However, after watching the film it becomes clear that the real men and women who were involved in the great
“Canadian Caper” are just as charismatic and captivating as their Hollywood counterparts.
The title of the movie is derived from a letter written by President Jimmy Carter, in which he refers to Kenneth D. Taylor, the former Canadian ambassador to Iran, as America’s “man in Tehran.” Interviews with Taylor reveal the charming personality underneath his snazzy suits. With a calm and intelligent voice he recalls the events that transpired with modesty; however, the movie makes clear Taylor is nothing short of a hero, for both his incredible hospitality and for providing the White House with insights into the Iranian hostage camp. As if you didn’t feel a sense of pride already, not only is Taylor Canadian, but he is also a University of Toronto graduate and served as the Chancellor of Victoria College from 1998-2004.
Another University of Toronto alum, and former Blue Jay, is Drew Taylor who co-directed the film with Toronto native Larry Weinstein. The two provide a mixture of interviews and archival material to deliver a brief history lesson of the tensions between the United States and Iran. This lesson in American history is similar to what audiences get from Argo; what Affleck’s adaptation lacks, however, is a Canadian history lesson. Taylor and Weinstein include footage from the Canadian House of Commons in which Prime Minister Joe Clark and Leader of the Opposition Pierre Trudeau are seen in great debate. These clips reveal the secrets and tensions within Canada’s government over the nation’s involvement in the hostage crisis.
“This wasn’t a movie. This was real life,” says Flora MacDonald, Canada’s former minister of foreign affairs, near the beginning of the film. The real life events that transpired during the 444 days that the American men and women were held hostage, are surely movie material. The documentary reveals one of the key traits that made last years Argo worthy of the Best Picture title — the incredible story. From secret spies, to escape routes, to forged passports, Our Man in Tehran is riveting throughout and is a must-see for anyone interested in getting the whole story, straight from the source.
