Clothed in camouflage gear decorated with children’s pins rather than medals and military insignia, and armed with an Uzi, the shah gives the victory symbol from a balcony. The scene perhaps suggests Nasir al-Din’s bravura, self-delusion, and public deception, for his adventures generally ended in defeat. Modern-day elements, including the automatic weapon, serve as reminders that this type of prevarication for political ends is not restricted to the past. For Filizadeh, this moment represents the celebration after the English departure from Iran, bringing a bit of joy to the shah’s otherwise depressed spirit due to the ongoing interference by foreign powers.
