"Iran, Veiled Appearances" isn't much of a documentary. However, it does transport the viewer behind the Islamic curtain and offers a sense of what contemporary Iranian life is like. It begins with a dab of history including brief file footage of the Shah and the Ayatollah Khomeini before launching into an exploration of the Iran of today much like an inquisitive tourist rather than an investigation of political, social, and cultural orders. Too much time is spent dawdling over visual spectacles such as parades, martial arts training, a dance class, paragliding, etc., all of which are done in other countries (a minute on each would have sufficed). The interviews with Iranians are man-in-the-street type with college kids espousing liberal ideals as do college kids everywhere while elders preach the usual conservative doctrine. The schism between the theocratic fundamentalist elders and the more western-thinking youth came as no surprise. However, if we are seeing the seeds of change or revolution, we weren't shown the forces keeping a lid on it. Overall, the film was only marginally interesting, lacked traveloguesque scenic beauty, offered minimal history, had no interviews with officials, and conjured nothing which could be considered investigative reporting. Pass on this one unless you really yearn for a peek at Iran. (C+)
Note - I have a theory which suggests Peter Sellers did not die but grew a beard, moved to Iran, changed his name to Khatami, and became President.