In most years I see two or three movies. In the past week I've watched three, and on Tuesday night it was Argo. In two words: See it. There were more than a few exercises of dramatic license but the film is based on the actual account of the "exfiltration" of six American holed up in the home of the Canadian ambassador after the seizure of the American embassy and taking its staff hostage in Tehran in 1979.
Although nothing of world-historical importance turned on the events depicted, the understated but tense portrayal of the affair was riveting. The juxtaposition of archival television recordings with the film generated an additional degree of verisimilitude. The lack of gimmicks, gadgets, or gratuitous romantic liaisons was greatly appreciated.
In short, a fine work by director (and leading actor) Ben Affleck.
P.S. One of my favorite actors appeared in two of the three films mentioned over the past four days. Props to the first to identify him.
Although nothing of world-historical importance turned on the events depicted, the understated but tense portrayal of the affair was riveting. The juxtaposition of archival television recordings with the film generated an additional degree of verisimilitude. The lack of gimmicks, gadgets, or gratuitous romantic liaisons was greatly appreciated.
In short, a fine work by director (and leading actor) Ben Affleck.
P.S. One of my favorite actors appeared in two of the three films mentioned over the past four days. Props to the first to identify him.
Is it John Goodman? He's a great actor that always seems to fly under the radar somehow.
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