Argo

Argo is about a fake film that was used to help resolve a real crisis. While the crisis did end rather well, this film'll keep you guessing how well it will end.

It's 1979 and the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran has been taken over by Revolutionaries. Six Embassy workers got out before it got really worse, and then took up residence in the home of Canadian Ambassador Ken Taylor (Victor Garbor). Even though they're safe in the house, the workers know that it won't be long before the Revolutionaries come knocking.

CIA operative Tony Mendez (Director/Co-Producer Ben Affleck) decides on an outlandishly plausible story to get the six out. He decides to pass them off as a Canadian film crew scouting exotic locations for a Sci-Fi Film called Argo. For his Hollywood contacts, Mendez chooses producer Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin) and Oscar-Winning Makeup-man John Chambers (John Goodman). Along with a script and some concept art, Mendez flies to Iran to get the six out of the country quickly and quietly.

Using Mendez's memoir The Master of Disguise, as well as the article The Great Escape by Joshuah Bearman, Chris Terrio wrote the film's screenplay. It's a screenplay that's both funny and suspenseful, often in the same scene. At one moment, there's a public table reading of Argo's script by folks in crummy costumes. At the same time, there's a mock execution of Embassy hostages. Thanks to editor William Goldenberg, the balance between funny and serious works wonderfully.

Although Affleck is the one in charge, on-screen and off, his supporting cast stands out wonderfully. Amongst the ensemble, the chemistry of the six escapees was the real highlight. They really worked well together, even when their characters were at each others' throats. Meanwhile, Goodman and Arkin provided much appreciated comic relief. Another great performance was Bryan Cranston as Mendez's CIA superior.

As a thriller and a period piece, Argo gets it right all the way. If Affleck keeps it up, then his career as director and star is secure for a long time.