Argo

Argo, a film directed by Ben Affleck, is a suspenseful dramatization of the Iran hostage crises that took place under Jimmy Carter's administration in the late 1970's. While also starring in the movie, Affleck captures the drama, covertness, and tensity of this political event.

Taking place in Iran, six Americans get stranded in the  hostile country after the U.S. embassy is invaded by Iranians.  With nowhere for the six Americans to run, Ben Affleck's character, Tony Mendez, is sent in by the CIA in an attempt to extradite the stranded Americans.  The wicked twist in the movie is the clever approach that Mendez uses.

Affleck, who has starred in many other films such as; Dogma, The Town, Chasing Amy, and Armageddon, takes on the role of a CIA agent who must infiltrate Iran and extradite the stranded Americans.  Using the skills the he has mastered over the years, Affleck portrays a witty, sarcastic, and even tempered character and absolutely carries out the role seamlessly.

The costuming, setting, and props bring the viewer back in time to a rustic 1970's feel.  The wool suits with large collars, the cigarette smoke in almost every scene and the vintage automobiles create a feel that the events taking place are current.  Affleck does not shy away from lots of lighting in the film, creating bright well lit scenes and almost every outdoor scene is filmed during the day.  The "oner," is used many times in the film which is probably fairly easy, being that the film is a majority of dialogue.

Argo takes on the theme and idea of never giving up.  Just when the stranded Americans are ready to accept that they may never make it home, Tony Mendez comes out of nowhere as a knight in shining armor.  The U.S. government was also at a loss in how to extradite the Americans until Mendez comes forward with his clever and innovative approach.  Because of the film's medium being an actual conflict that took place in American history, the theme is well delivered and clear to the viewer.

From beginning to end, Argo leaves the viewer on the edge of their seat with dramatic suspense and excellent cinematography.  The art design and costuming brings the viewer back in time and makes the film real.  Ben Affleck delivers a gem and a creative depiction of the events that took place in Iran in 1979.