Argo

Argo is the third film by writer/director Ben Affleck. 

Proving that his contribution to Good Will Hunting was no fluke, Affleck has gone on to make three very fine films within the space of six years - beginning with Gone Baby Gone (5/5) in 2007, followed by The Town (4/5) in 2010.

His new film tells the incredible true story of the extraction of six American diplomats from Iran, who took refuge at the Canadian Ambassadors home, after escaping a siege on their embassy by Iranian revolutionaries.

As a member of the CIA, Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) is tasked with devising a plan to rescue the six escapees. 

His plan is to create a fake movie, fly to Iran and leave with the six Americans in tow - all under the guise of a production crew, scouting for locations.

Despite the efforts of the American captives (52 in all) to shred and burn any and all sensitive materiels, the Iranians set about piecing (literally) the secrets of the embassy back together - in order to discover the names and faces of the people they hold captive.

Mendez and his team race to formulate their plan before the six Americans are discovered to be missing. 

By employing the help of movie producer Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin) and special effects expert John Chambers (John Goodman), Mendez successfully dupes Hollywood in to thinking science fiction extravaganza, Argo is headed for the screen - all he needs now is to convince the people of Iran!

Affleck gets more competent with each film he makes, both in front of and behind the camera. 

With Argo, Affleck has recreated the 80's to stunning effect. There are changes in film stock throughout - almost to simulate news coverage. Whether this is pre-existing footage I don't know, but it's edited together seamlessly. The retro Warner Bros. logo is a nice touch and the authenticity throughout is highlighted by some fascinating photos and sound-bites, as the end credits roll. 

He is supported by a terrific cast, from the aforementioned Arkin and Goodman (both hilarious) to Bryan Cranston, as Medez's trusted boss at the CIA. The American diplomats are all excellent too - fearful of their task at hand and doubtful, as to the success of Mendez's plan.

Having only recently been declassified (in 1997), the Argo mission proves once again that truth is stranger than fiction. Liberties have been taken here and there, in an effort to ratchet up the tension (almost to breaking point)! However as true-life thrillers go, one would be hard-pressed to imagine something more bizarre or more exciting!

Argo is a great film, cementing Afflecks status as a director to watch. It's a fantastic story which educates as well as thrills. There's also many a laugh to be had - which comes as welcome relief when Mendez and his team are surrounded by people who would just as soon see them strung up!

4/5

Poster image courtesy: http://www.empireonline.com.au