Argo

Ben Affleck is currently on a good run; his latest film in which he stars as well as directs has earned him nominations for 7 Oscars, 37 other nominations as well as 21 wins. He has already quadrupled his initial budget of $44 million USD and the film is the talk of ‘The Town’ – no pun intended! J

Based on a true story, Affleck manages to piece together history in a fascinating, thrilling and compelling way.  This drama is a collage of exotic cinematography, gripping dialogue as well as brilliant acting by which he is able to deliver successfullly. Although I feel that this film shines too little a light on the truth that initially caused the tension between America and Iran; I feel that it was a good strategy to win the hearts and connection with the Western film world.

John Goodman, Alan Arkin, Victor Garber, Bryan Cranston, Clea DuVall, Scoot McNairy are just a few of the cast in this film, all of whom are American including those who played Iranian as authentic actors from Tehran may have received harmful consequences if authorities recognized them in this film.

Every person, every country has different ways of doing things, different ways of living, but that shouldn’t make it weird or unusual. Because a civilization does something differently they should not be considered any less of a man; only a different man; and this is why I will vehemently disagree with the following statement made in the film.

“Actions of Iran, have shocked the civilized world.”

We must ask ourselves, what indeed makes a civilized world?

If you enjoy the adrenalin rush, action and the run and chase, then you’ll fall in love with Argo. Sure they may have demonized Iranians, with a biased point-of-view on history, but it isn’t the first time or the last time filmmakers will take this route.

On a lighter note this film is clever in a plethora of ways, and what I loved the most was the wonderful ‘film idea’ that saved the day! I’ll leave you with some of my favourite quotes:

“Argo fuck yourself.”

“It’s got horses in it. It’s a Western.”

“If I’m gonna make fake movies. It’s gonna’ be a fake hit!”

“Brace yourself, it’s like talking to the old too fucks from the Muppets.”

“We’re gonna’ need a script!” J