2012
Directed by Ben Affleck
I want to start by saying that I understand that artists can take some creative license with their work. Still, the way the filmmakers totally minimize Canada's role in this operation irritates me. Not to mention the fact that Ben Affleck plays someone of Mexican descent. No wonder the rest of the world hates us.
On November 4, 1979 Iranian activists stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran in retaliation for President Carter's giving the shah asylum during the Iranian Revolution. Six of the staff managed to avoid capture by hiding in the home of Ken Taylor, a Canadian ambassador. The United States' government attempts to come up with a plan to get the escapees out. They bring in Tony Mendez, a CIA exfiltration specialist, for consultation. He develops an audacious plan: pretend that the escapees are Canadian filmmakers who are scouting locations in Iran for a sci fi movie.
I have never been overly impressed with Affleck's acting abilities, but fortunately, he was perfectly acceptable here. He shone more as a director; I was impressed by the 70s vibe I got from this film. I felt like I was watching All the President's Men (with less sexy leads of course).
So overall, a decent film and the best we have seen on this blog in awhile.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
First film in 23 years to win Best Picture and not be nominated for Best Director.
Features 120 speaking parts.
It was really enjoyable. I like stories with a political and historical background, besides the sequence regarding the production of the (fake) picture is hilarious. But yeah it is pretty problematic regarding accuracy and stereotyping - especially of Iran's people.
ReplyDeleteYou don't realize how badly Iran is portrayed in Western movies until you start watching contemporary Irani films.
Yes and considering the current rhetoric in my country it's particularly damaging.
DeleteI remember when the hostages were taken (OLD person alert), so I found it really interesting. I actually didn't know this story, so really enjoyed seeing how some of this played out. Good movie.
ReplyDeleteHaha not that old.
DeleteI loved Argo when I saw it...I didn't know the story at all before I watched it so for me it was totally gripping. I've liked everything he's directed really...especially Gone Baby Gone I thought that was great.
ReplyDeleteAgree re All the President's Men...it definitely had that feel about it but unfortunately no young Robert Redford haha :D