Movie Review ... Argo

 

‘Argo’ proves the phrase ‘truth is stranger than fiction’.  Based on true events surrounding the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, its story is one no one would believe had it not been real.  Director and star Ben Affleck oversees these factual elements with a steady hand that made previous directorial efforts ‘Gone Baby Gone’ and ‘The Town’ so effective.  Like fellow performer George Clooney, he has seamlessly moved behind the camera to helm genuinely gripping productions.

When the American embassy is invaded by Islamic militants, most of its staff are held hostage.  Six manage to escape and hide in the home of Canadian ambassador Ken Taylor (Victor Garber).  Learning of this, the CIA brings in consultant Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) to devise a way to safely extradite them.  Proposing to go under-cover as a film-maker location scouting for a science fiction movie called ‘Argo’, Tony aims to make the six escapees his ‘film crew’.  Entering dangerous territory, time and co-operation become paramount.

Coming of age as a Director, Ben Affleck makes ‘Argo’ an engaging experience.  Much of this intensity comes from the contrast of Hollywood’s ‘reel’ world vs the reality in Iran.  Although at total extremes both are matched by the ruthlessness of its main players.  Affleck effectively conveys this enigma with skill as the cinematic corporate movers target their prey with as much zeal as those on the opposite side of the world.  He is well served by a stand-out cast managing to mostly down-play an occasionally histrionic script.

Although most likely taking some factual liberties to enliven its story, ‘Argo’ generally has a good sense of reality.  There’s genuine compassion to be felt not just for the six escapees but for all those caught in the conflict.  Whilst the ‘desperate escape from battle’ motif is nothing movies haven’t done before, it’s made more engrossing here due to the urgency everyone faces.  Affleck also brings some surprising levity with the scenes set in Hollywood embodying the rather fanciful but audacious path to freedom.

It’s been a pleasure watching Affleck find his directorial feet with ‘Argo’ his most accessible work.  Whilst certain sequences needed to be toned down a little, he has a gift in telling a good story – one that should keep him in good stead for the years ahead.

Movie Review Rating 8 / 10

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

Agree with Patrick about his Movie Review? Then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Argo

Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.

Official HomePage click HERE

Soundtrack