Argo is a 2012 American historical drama thriller film directed, produced by, and starring Ben Affleck. The film is based on the truestory of a secret CIA mission to rescue six Americans hiding out in Iran shortly after the hostage crisis broke out. The screenplay was written by Chris Terrio, and the film won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film chronicles the life-or-death covert operation to rescue six Americans, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis. The film is tense, exciting, and often darkly comic, recreating a historical event with vivid attention to detail and finely wrought characters.
Plot
In the context of Argo (2012), the plot revolves around a secret CIA mission to rescue six Americans hiding out in Iran shortly after the hostage crisis broke out. The film is based on the true story of this covert operation, which unfolded behind the scenes of the Iran hostage crisis.
Cast
- Ben Affleck as Tony Mendez
- Bryan Cranston as Jack O'Donnell
- Alan Arkin as Lester Siegel
- John Goodman as John Chambers
- Victor Garber as Ken Taylor
- Tate Donovan as Bob Anders
- Clea DuVall as Cora Lijek
- Scoot McNairy as Joe Stafford
The movie also features a large supporting cast and crew, including extras, camera operators, and production assistants.
Director: Ben Affleck
Writer: Chris Terrio
Box Office Gross: $136.0M
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Genre: History, Drama, Mystery & Thriller, Biography
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 12, 2012
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 3, 2013
Themes
Argo (2012) explores several themes, including the power of storytelling, the importance of trust and teamwork, and the consequences of political decisions. The film also touches on the themes of identity, loyalty, and sacrifice, as the characters navigate their roles in the covert operation to rescue the American hostages.
Reception
Argo (2012) was well-received by critics and audiences alike, earning several awards and nominations, including the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film was praised for its tense and exciting plot, vivid attention to detail, and finely wrought characters. Critics also noted the film's darkly comic tone and its ability to balance historical accuracy with Hollywood-style entertainment.
Challenges faced during production
The production of Argo (2012) faced several challenges, including finding the right balance between historical accuracy and Hollywood-style entertainment. The filmmakers also had to navigate the political sensitivities surrounding the Iran hostage crisis, as well as the logistical challenges of filming in multiple locations, including Istanbul and Los Angeles. Additionally, the film's climactic airport scene required the use of a real 747 airplane, which had to be transported to the set and carefully coordinated with the actors and crew.
Settings, visual styles, and techniques
Argo (2012) features a variety of settings, including Tehran, Istanbul, and Los Angeles. The film's visual style is gritty and realistic, with a muted color palette that reflects the tense and dangerous atmosphere of the story. The filmmakers also used a variety of techniques, including handheld cameras and quick cuts, to create a sense of urgency and immediacy in the action scenes.
Trivia and fun facts
- The film's title, Argo, refers to the name of the fake movie that the CIA uses as a cover for their rescue mission.
- The film's director, Ben Affleck, also stars in the lead role of Tony Mendez.
- The real-life Tony Mendez, on whom the film's protagonist is based, makes a cameo appearance in the film as a TSA agent.
- The film's climactic airport scene was shot at Ontario International Airport in California, which was made to look like Tehran's Mehrabad Airport.