Synopsis
Argo is an intense drama depicting the events of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, showcasing a covert operation to retrieve American diplomats. As the story of Argo unfolds, it becomes apparent how the rescue operation of the diplomats was kept a secret. Ben Affleck, the director of the film, depicts the story of Afghans trying to rescue the diplomats from Iran using the cover of a Hollywood movie.
The film begins with the Monter Corporation, a Iranian firm where the former American military officers are employed. These officers are working to gain the trust of the Iranian forces. On 10/12, an Iranian military group storms the office of the Monter Corporation. The officers, who are now Iran’s prisoners, are taken to a military facility. When they are given the chance to flee, they dress in the Iranian soldier’s uniforms to escape.
Back in the USA, the CIA and the U.S. State Department work in tandem to find a viable solution to the complex problem of safely retrieving the six diplomats. Enter Tony Mendez (Affleck), a CIA “exfiltration” specialist who is responsible for formulating an extraction strategy. Mendez discards all but one of the ideas and proposes an outrageous one, create a fake science-fiction film production— “Argo” and masquerade as a Canadian crew scouting locations in Iran.
CIA may have found the plan absurd, but they greenlight it. Mendez goes to Hollywood to set the polish the story details. He collaborates with Hollywood makeup artist John Chambers (Goodman) and producer Lester Siegel (Arkin). Together, they set up a phony company, Studio Six Productions and gave out press, casting, and trade ads. The set was complete. The elaborate sham was to include business cards, storyboards, and production materials, all of which the operation would to anyone scrutinizing it.
Under the alias of a Canadian producer named Kevin Harkins, Mendez flies to Tehran. There, he meets the six Americans and goes over the plan. They as well as the Americans will take on identities as members of a film crew, complete with matching cover stories, new passports, and even a multi-layered knowledge of the script. There will rehearsals where the group will perfect their parts, and everything will be under the pretense of practice. The stakes are massive as the group knows any mistake will trigger an international disaster—or something lethal.
The final act has a Tehran suspense sequence. The suspense culminates in a Tehran suspense sequence revolving the Tehran international airport. The diplomats and Mendez are on their way to Tehran’s Mehrabad International airport, where they are to confront several Iranian revolutionary guard’s famous checkpoints. They interrogate the group, leading to delay and, dangerously, to the plane losing boarding window. The plane, pivotal to their escape, is delayed in boarding, spurting anger among members. After a set period of time filled with standoff silence, the plane is finally given the boarding ticket and is cleared to fly. The group finally escapes Tehran airspace.
The specifics of the mission remain classified for a number of years, but eventually, the activities of Mendez and the CIA come to light. The movie concludes with proper documents and footage which serves to showcase the stark difference between the fabricated story and the reality. In the end of the film, the characters receive a fictional tribute where the Americans are returned successfully, and Mendez, despite needing to maintain silence about the event for years, is awarded the Intelligence Star.
Cast & Crew
Ben Affleck as Tony Mendez:
Affleck assumed the role of the movie’s lead and he also directed the film. His performance is calm and subdued in the best of ways as he portrays Mendez as a calm, resourceful agent with a deep sense of responsibilty. The film is directed in a grounded style which gives an almost documentary feel to the plot events.
Alan Arkin as Lester Siegel:
One of the most interesting performances in the film is Arkin’s portrayal of Siegel, a sharp, cynical Hollywood producer. His role brings much needed humor alongside satirical commentary about the movie industry. This role earned Arkin an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
John Goodman as John Chambers:
Oscar winning makeup artist and character of the film, Chambers is portrayed by Goodman. Evans portrays Chambers’s scripted character with versatility, bringing warmth and humor alongside his character which creates an entertaining duo with Arkin.
Bryan Cranston as Jack O’Donnell:
Cranston plays Jack, who is the lead in the CIA as Mendez’s manager. He is the person who supplies the fatigue of the bureaucracy. Mendez receives the political urgency that fuels much of the political interplay from Cranston’s Jack. And as the film’s Washington scenes play out, Cranston’s commanding presence anchors the film.
Supporting Cast:
Victor Garber as the Canadian Ambassador in charge of sheltering the Americans, risks his safety as he provides shelter to his guests.
Tate Donovan, Clea DuVall, Rory Cochrane, and Scoot McNairy as the stranded diplomats.
Kyle Chandler as Hamilton Jordan, White House Chief of Staff under Jimmy Carter.
Director – Ben Affleck:
Affleck confirmed his directorial prowess as a serious filmmaker with Argo, which followed the critical success of Gone Baby Gone and The Town. His direction is tight, suspenseful, and emotionally resonant as he weaves the human and political drama together.
Screenplay – Chris Terrio:
The 2007 article of Joshuah Bearman and the memoir of Tony Mendez, The Master of Disguise, serve as the foundational text for the screenplay of Terrio. His adaptation is a blend of narrative with historical truth. He is also the winner of the academy award for best adapted screenplay.
Cinematography – Rodrigo Prieto:
Prieto’s cinematography captures the political thrill of 1970’s Iran with a the camera’s gritty perspective. The movie’s visual style feels immersive and rich, with the use of handheld camerawork and grainy filters matching the period’s and the film’s moody aesthetic.
Music – Alexandre Desplat
With a hint of the Middle East, the score transcends the film’s borders to deliver suspense, seamlessly matching the film’s tone. Desplat’s score is subtle and suspenseful, balancing the film’s tone without overshadowing the film itself.
IMDB ratings and critical reception
With an IMDb score resting at a solid 7.7, Argo was well received by the critics and the audiences at large. It was commercially and critically acclaimed, grossing upwards of $230 million while produced at a budget of $44 million.
Affleck received praise for the direction, particularly for the tension authentically woven throughout the film. The escaped from the airport was regarded as one of the most intense portions of the film. Critics appreciated the film’s balanced blend of political history and sharp satirical commentary on Hollywood and the outrageous effectiveness (or lack thereof) of the rescue plan.
Argo gained significant acclaim in 2012 and 2013, and went on to win three academy awards, including:
- Best Picture
- Best Adapted Screenplay (Chris Terrio)
- Best Film Editing (William Goldenberg)
Many critics considered Ben Affleck’s absence from the list of Best Director nominees to be unjust, and Affleck himself went on to win the DGA Award for Outstaning Directorial Achievement, solidifying his praise for the direction of the film.
Argo also took home a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Director, followed by a BAFTA for Best Film and Best Director. The film was considered to have a strong political message, allowing it to connect to audiences worldwide.
Conclusion
Argo is much more than a suspenseful thriller. It is a blend of shocking historical truths with the drama of Hollywood, adding a layer of educational value to the entertainment. The film is a celebration of intelligence, bravery, and the power of global alliances. It was well-received due to Affleck’s direction, strong performances, and a sharp script, and ultimately is a standout film in the political thriller genre.
Argo has shown people the many unsung heroes that perform some extraordinary acts to save lives. The film highlights the absurdity that surrounds geopolitical crises while underlining the fact that the truth usually comes out in the end—and that, in the face of unwavering danger, courage and some clever tactics can help overcome even the most impossible of hurdles.
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