“Argo,” starring and directed by Ben Affleck, is based on the true story of the American hostage crisis that occurred during the Iranian revolution in 1979. The film follows Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck), a CIA agent attempting to rescue six diplomats who managed to escape the U.S. Embassy before it was overtaken by Iranian forces. The CIA comes up with a cunning plan to rescue the captured diplomats: sending a team to pose as a Canadian movie crew scouting locations for the “Star Wars” rip off, “Argo.”
From the very beginning, “Argo” is intense and emotionally charged. The film begins with a storyboard of events to come, engrossing audiences and involving them throughout the film’s duration. The images that follow depict angry Iranians protesting outside of the U.S. embassy, which were incredibly effective in eliciting emotional responses from viewers.
However, the most thrilling aspect of the film was the remarkable amount of suspense it held. A powerful scene in which the Americans are ushered through the Iranian airport while attempting to avoid the glances of rebel guards provoked cringes and covered faces in the audience
Though the film was advertised as a gripping drama, the movie offered a refreshing, but surprising amount of levity. Alan Arkin (“Little Miss Sunshine”) and John Goodman (“Roseanne”) form a fantastic comedic duo as the fake producers of “Argo.” With typical Hollywood attitude and an especially vulgar – but hilarious – catch phrase, these two seasoned actors add a lighter texture to an otherwise serious film and had audiences hysterical during some parts of the movie. This results in a near perfect balance between drama and comedy.
Affleck, too, shines as the leading man, Tony Mendez. His concern for these trapped Americans is always evident and almost palpable. As an actor, he creates a believable character who is unsure whether he can accomplish this monumental task, but at the same time realizes completion is his only option and that it must be done. The inner conflict Affleck displays in this film is truly remarkable, breathing life to the character and creating a three-dimensional personality.
The most touching feature of it was the sense of togetherness the film conveyed. As the main characters are seen being hidden by the Canadian embassy, the film shifts from a story of sadness and fear to one of hope and togetherness. As it is presented in the film, this element perfectly balances the terror of the situation with the optimism and sacrifice of those who helped these Americans.
As a whole, “Argo” stands as one of the better dramas in recent years. The film, however, offered much more in the form of suspense, laughter and heartwarming moments. With a touching true story, top-notch acting and many thrilling moments, it is difficult to find a reason not to go see “Argo.”
