#69 Argo (2012)

Director: Ben Affleck
Starring: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston and Alan Arkin
Academy Awards (3): Won for Best Picture, Best Writing and Best Editing. Nominated four more times. Alan Arkin for Best Supporting Actor, Best Music, Best Sound Mixing and Editing.
Plot: “Acting under the cover of a Hollywood producer scouting a location for a science fiction film, a CIA agent launches a dangerous operation to rescue six Americans in Tehran during the U.S. hostage crisis in Iran in 1980.”
Stock: Holding
Previous Ranking: NR

“This is the best bad idea we have, sir. By far.”

There’s not one particular thing that stands out about Argo.

It’s not that there’s a solid cast of acting performances. It’s not that it tells a true story about the Iranian hostage crisis. It’s not that it takes time to be humorous despite the tense circumstances.

It’s a combination of those aforementioned items that makes Argo a truly memorable movie.

Let’s begin with the story – this actually happened. Tony Mendez, portrayed by Ben Affleck goes to Iran under the guise of a film producer to rescue a group of Americans. Crazy, but true.

Speaking of Affleck, I’ve never thought too much of his acting chops, but have applauded his directing capabilities. He comes through on both levels, although it is his directing that stands out the most. While playing the main character, Affleck is able to stay out of the film’s way, which required delicacy both in front and behind the camera.

The film benefits tremendously from the supporting performances of Alan Arkin and John Goodman. They give Argo a much needed comedic boost. While the film is full of tense sequences, laughter is found whenever Arkin and Goodman are involved.

Argo shocked Hollywood when it won the Academy Award for Best Picture. I was pleasantly surprised and felt strangely vindicated for Affleck, who was snubbed a nomination for Best Director.

And if you didn’t like Argo, well, all I can really say is, “Argo f*** yourself.”

Fun Fact: According to Tony Mendez, the fake production office known as Studio Six was so convincing in the real-life Argo plan that even several weeks after it folded and the Iranian rescue was complete, “we had received twenty-six scripts, one was from Steven Spielberg.”

Hint for #68: #23 probably would have made more sense … or #45.

Peace Be The Journey