Back in 2003, when Ben Affleck was hit with the double-bad-movie-whammy of “Gigli” and “Daredevil”, many thought the man, who a mere year earlier was heralded as the future of movie stars, was heading into the tubes. He’d be forgotten faster than he had been discovered. Movies like “Surviving Christmas” and “Paycheck” (an appropriate title) seemed to radiate the idea that Ben Affleck was nothing more than a gag for young actors who had fizzled out early.
But Ben was a smart cookie, he decided to reinvent himself as a writer/director. He had previously written “Good Will Hunting” with Matt Damon, but “Gone Baby Gone” in 2007 showed his strengths in both the fields of screenwriting and directing. Following up with the smash hit “The Town” in 2010, many wondered what he would do next. Now, his latest project, “Argo”, is his most ambitious yet and also one of the best movies of the year.
In 1979 Iran, a revolution is taking place between the citizens and the Americans that have controlled them for far too long. During the Iranian citizens’ attack on the US Embassy, six men and women get out of the building during the attack and take cover in the Canadian Ambassador’s house.
CIA Agent Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) comes up with a crazy idea to get the six out of Iran without being noticed: create a fake movie, say it needs to be shot in Iran and have the hostages play a film crew. The idea is called crazy, but with the help of two Hollywood big-shots (played by John Goodman and Alan Arkin) the formation of a fake sci-fi film called Argo begins.
They say truth is stranger than fiction and “Argo” exemplifies that idea. This movie is based on a true story, but the idea itself is so crazy you can’t believe it happened (further examination states there was some obvious dramatization was used in the story, though the main structure is similar to what occurred in real life). You can tell this story fascinated both Ben Affleck and first time screenwriter Chris Terrio as they show dedication and passion in getting the details right about that fascinating era of the early Eighties.
Chris Terrio has crafted one of the best screenplays this year by far, full of tense moments that have you on the edge of your seat and dialogue that’s whip smart and full of laughs. The screen is alive with some of the most well crafted characters and set pieces you’ll see in a movie this year. To say I’m excited to see what Terrio creates next is an understatement.
The acting on display here is phenomenal. Alan Arkin and John Goodman bring warmth and humor to their roles as a famous director and makeup artist, respectively. Ben Affleck is a bit of surprise in how good he is, showing subtle signs in his body language that communicate more than words ever could. The best of the bunch by far is Bryan Cranston of “Breaking Bad” fame. This is by far his biggest role in a movie this year (he’s had many, appearing in “Rock of Ages” and “John Carter” among others) and he shines, giving a lot of emotional intensity towards the end and even getting a few humorous lines to boot (“We’re a spy agency! Find him!”)
The beauty of Argo is in how it shows how movies can connect people, no matter what country they live in or what their situation may be. The power of cinema brings out the best in many of these characters and helps save six American lives. “Argo” shows the ultimate testament to the power of movies, not just through the flick’s plot but in the quality of the picture itself. One of the best movies of the year, “Argo” will leave you laughing, at the edge of your seat and inspired by what one little film can help accomplish.
