Googoosh: Iran's Daughter

Googoosh is the Iranian pop diva who captivated audiences from the 1950s until the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in Iran in 1979, when the ayatollahs put an end to her public performances. Farhad Zamani's fascinating documentary captures the elusive star's unusual career, from her early beginnings as a child performer through her graduation into full pop princess status via a series of frothy films and TV concerts. Not only were her hairstyles and fashions copied by Iranian women in the pre-fundamentalist years, but one of her biggest fans was the Shah of Iran. Googoosh's sultry persona and willingness to challenge taboos did not stop her from voluntarily terminating her career in favor of state-sanctioned silence (Googoosh was in America during the Khomeini revolution and returned to her homeland without coercion, knowing it would mean the end of her singing). In 2000, Googoosh made a stunning comeback in a world tour that attracted thousands of Iranian exiles, especially in the United States. Yet the star made no public comments explaining her abrupt reappearance after years out of sight (which, reportedly, included time in an Iranian jail). Googoosh does not give any interview in this film, which is a major disappointment, but there is a wealth of rare footage and recordings plus video from the 2000 tour. DVD extras include additional music tracks and bonus short films by the director. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)