Dir. Ben Affleck
USA, 2012
Recently released this fall, Argo is the well tailored story of American fugitives trying to escape from a falling Iran. Having received spectacular reviews and well numbered audiences, Affleck's historical biopic encounters drama and history with a sense of fantastic storytelling and political grace.
The script is well written, and like many other historical stories, the truth is stranger than fiction. The film has A-list stars of Alan Arkin (Wait Until Dark and Little Miss Sunshine) and John Goodman (The Big Lebowski) to Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad). The script is humorous while still maintaining its integrity to the plot, and the entire execution of the film is believable while still entertaining a tension of suspense.
What really intrigued me is the history lesson at the beginning of the film. When explaining the background of the rise and fall of the republic in Iran, all the while using storyboards (fits with the plot), Affleck makes sure to include the US's role in the destruction of hope in Iran. Having put their political hand where it did not belong, the US obliterated Iran's potential for peace in the 1970s. Including this background in the film, Affleck gives the reason for the Iranians anger at the US. Rather than portray the country as a generalization, Affleck gives the Iranian people a character all their own. In this day and age of politics, this film could have been a straight forward example of American propaganda. However, with Affleck's direction, Argo is a film with a message of international peace and cooperation. It shows what can be accomplished when countries rally together.
I believe Argo is a well executed, entertaining film of fact. I truly enjoyed the characters, the story and the overall tone of the film. Yet, what I really found the most uplifting was the message of international cooperation embedded in the film. For those of you out there who enjoy a good story as well as a world worthy message, Argo is for you.
USA, 2012
Recently released this fall, Argo is the well tailored story of American fugitives trying to escape from a falling Iran. Having received spectacular reviews and well numbered audiences, Affleck's historical biopic encounters drama and history with a sense of fantastic storytelling and political grace.
The script is well written, and like many other historical stories, the truth is stranger than fiction. The film has A-list stars of Alan Arkin (Wait Until Dark and Little Miss Sunshine) and John Goodman (The Big Lebowski) to Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad). The script is humorous while still maintaining its integrity to the plot, and the entire execution of the film is believable while still entertaining a tension of suspense.
What really intrigued me is the history lesson at the beginning of the film. When explaining the background of the rise and fall of the republic in Iran, all the while using storyboards (fits with the plot), Affleck makes sure to include the US's role in the destruction of hope in Iran. Having put their political hand where it did not belong, the US obliterated Iran's potential for peace in the 1970s. Including this background in the film, Affleck gives the reason for the Iranians anger at the US. Rather than portray the country as a generalization, Affleck gives the Iranian people a character all their own. In this day and age of politics, this film could have been a straight forward example of American propaganda. However, with Affleck's direction, Argo is a film with a message of international peace and cooperation. It shows what can be accomplished when countries rally together.
I believe Argo is a well executed, entertaining film of fact. I truly enjoyed the characters, the story and the overall tone of the film. Yet, what I really found the most uplifting was the message of international cooperation embedded in the film. For those of you out there who enjoy a good story as well as a world worthy message, Argo is for you.