The previews for Argo came out over the summer. A movie about a secret spy mission? Sign me up! After finally finding some time to go, we saw it last night. Argo was outstanding.
Photo from Movie Fanatic
The movie is loosely based on the true story of a rescue mission that took place during the Iran hostage crisis from 1979-81. Since I was just about 7 during that time, my only knowledge of it comes from the history books. However, this rescue mission was actually kept quiet for many years.
It’s the story of 6 Americans who escaped the hostage situation at the embassy and took up to hiding in the homes of Canadian and British ambassadors. Tony Mendez, the CIA agent who was essentially in charge of coordinating the mission set out to bring the six American’s home under the guise of making a movie. He enlisted some Hollywood players to make the story feasible and then headed to Iran as the movie’s producer.
Photo from The Telegraph
Upon arriving he met the American’s, setting them up with new identities – Canadian movie makers.
Photo from Tribute.ca
Ben Affleck directed and starred in the film as Tony Mendez. With the Matt Damon/Ben Affleck pair, I’ve always preferred Matt Damon’s roles, but I’ll tell you, Affleck was good. The whole movie was good. Heart pounding, gut wrenchingly intense, but so good. When the movie first came out, I looked it up because I wondered if it was a true story. I knew how the situation ended, and I was still a nervous wreck during the film…in a good way!
There were definitely liberties taken with the story, and Ben Affleck admits it, stating that Hollywood embellished and adjusted, as they usually do. However, even after reading about how the movie is different, my opinion of it remains the same. It was very well done.
I’ll be surprised if the film and Affleck aren’t honored during the coming awards’ season. If you get a chance, go see it.
I really do forget that L.A. is a single industry town. A bit like any mining town. And with any mining town you have an awareness of the opening of a new seam.
ReplyDeleteI'm not so certain this one has legs outside the US though and granted that hardly matters these days as the cash income in the US over the first weeks are what makes a film not what it makes overseas. That's just cream.
There are a few reason why it won't have legs. The first, even though you have two bits of girls eye candy and the cinema going public is the single girl between 15 and 25. I doubt the subject matter would be the first thing your average 20 y o in Madison studying general science has on her mind. 2] They tend to have above the average income for their age, cinemas hardly being a place for the short of shillings as you won't have much change from €500 between ticket, drinks and munchies, if any. The 3rd, Iran hasn't that klaxon attached to it like it has in the US.
So I'd say outside to the US it will go the way of Carter, remember that one. :-)
It took a couple weeks, but this weekend it made the #1 spot across the US. I think that as we get out of the summer/teeny bopper movies, the adults are starved for something a bit more intellectual. Fall and winter films tend to be better as they are vying for awards' season.
DeleteBA might be considered eye candy to some, but he really showed off his acting chops in this film, as did the other cast members.
I can see your point about out-of- country viewers, but maybe if it does pick up some awards you all will be more apt to see it.
I don't know what the Carter film is?!?!
You reviewed it last January for the O's. Leastwise I think it was this year.
DeleteOh right, that was J Edgar...but I get what you are saying. That one is worth a look too. ;)
DeleteWell it made number one over the weekend, so it isn't doing too badly in the US.
ReplyDeleteIt did! I'm surprised it took so long though. The previous couple of weeks I think Taken 2 beat it out for #1, which surprises me. Who doesn't like a good Liam Neeson film, and I did enjoy it - more so than the first one. But Argo was a better quality film I think.
DeleteI have seen the trailers and read the reviews.. it look like a great movie..
ReplyDeleteI haven't spoken to anyone yet who hasn't really liked it. I would highly recommend it...obviously. :)
DeleteIt sounds great!
ReplyDeleteI have to say that Ben Affleck does a great job directing.
ReplyDeleteI mean in general. I have not yet seen this movie, but when I saw that he directed it...it made me want to see it even more.
ReplyDeleteYah, he's done a good job with the directing. Gone Baby Gone and The Town were both great movies. They tend to be more on the serious/realistic side, which I prefer.
DeleteHappy Halloween!
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