Set during the Iran hostage crisis of the late 70s, Argo tells the unbelievable true story of a group of Americans who are trapped in hostile territory after the U.S. Embassy is seized by militants. The group finds refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador, but knowing that it is only a matter of time before they are found and likely murdered, the CIA plans an incredibly risky plan, led by Ton Mendez, to go into Tehran and get these men and woman home. Ben Affleck's Argo is a fast-paced, taut story \that is so incredibly, it had to be true. The film has a great aesthetic, using various types if film stocks to replicate the time period, really capturing the look and feel of the 70s. Argo's greatest attribute is its ability to capture the time period and differing opinions and conflicts between nations while still focusing on the heart: The people who are caught in between. Argo isn't all tension, with the Hollywood bits of the story providing a tremendous amount of comedic relief, led by Alan Arkin, who is tremendous as the Producer of this fake movie. Affleck's direction is once again strong, my favorite decision being his use of posters of the Shah. These posters are a simple self portrait, but Affleck uses his gaze to establish more tension, giving the feeling that these six people are always being watched. My only real complaint with Argo is that some of the smaller bits seem to be exaggerated or simply added to create even more tension, and they just feel fabricated and unnecessary. This is a minor complaint as it is expected for any Hollywood production which is based on true events and Argo is certainty a must see film. 8.25/10
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AuthorLove of all things cinema brought me here. Archives
June 2023
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