Argo:

Needs to work on the balancing act

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

Inspired by a real life incident and based on a Wired magazine article called ‘The Great Escape’ Ben Affleck’s 2013 Academy Award winning ‘Argo’ relies on a simple truth: even a bleak situation can be thrilling put into the hands of the right person. In this case the person happens to be the director, the man behind impressive productions like ‘Gone Baby Gone’ and ‘The Town.’

The six Americans plan their escape

Ben Affleck as Tony Mendez

‘Argo’ unfolds with a glimpse into its history via animation: how Persian rulers antagonized their people and what led to the revolution. Their resentment is turned against the US who backed Shah after overthrowing the democratically elected Iranian president Mohammed Mosaddegh. With Iranians killing Americans in the city and burning the US flag in public demonstrations, the resentment then spreads to the US where angry middle-Americans torch Iranian banners and evoke the state to gun down Iranians while freeing their citizens.

This strike of balance between the violent activities within the two nations but at the second half of the movie the scales tip in favour of the US. Enter CIA expert Tony Mendez who devices a daring plan to rescue six Americans hiding in the Canadian embassy in Tehran. As Mendez’s project goes underway the tables turn. ‘Argo’ is then moulded into the fashion which propagates the speeches today’s politicians make in creating antagonism towards Muslim states. The picture it projects is obliviously that of raging Muslims against peace-cultivating Americans. The story, though commendable, clearly needs to be balanced more to give a bigger picture that led up to the incidents.

It is undeniable that ‘Argo’ fans the flames surrounding the historical backdrop of the 1979 Iranian revolution and the resulting hostage crisis. Though both the US and Iran’s political actions are questioned the movie sets the Iranian setting in extremely unflavourable light. Therefore the recent news of Iran suing the ‘Argo’ team does not come as a surprise. Incidents like Iranian protesters raiding the US embassy and holding the captives as hostages and shooting them after a ‘trial’ seems to be a direct attack upon the Iranian system. Such incidents still remains raw in many minds and the film pokes into these wounds again.

It is difficult for a movie sans romance, glamour or fast-pacing action to hold audience’s interest. This is where ‘Argo’ excels. Though a ‘mission impossible,’the film is designed in a manner which makes it undeniably arousing. The hurdles are set at the right places and are convincing. Tension is alive and pulsing in each step that the team takes till they are beyond Iranian boundaries. The airport scene is especially nail-biting since this is the last block that they have to wriggle through to reach freedom. Witty dialogues which make you crack a smile beneath the grim reality of the situation take you by surprise. Screenplay writer Chris Terrio has certain done his homework in these sectors. This is a mélange of a comic caper and a political thriller.

The movie makes use of Mendez hunting for a director and producer to put money on a ‘fake film’ as opportunities to make obvious potshots at the Hollywood system. The title of the movie derives from the rescue mission, veiled as a ‘Star Wars’ inspired film.

Affleck gives a powerhouse performance as the film’s protagonist Mendez - the mastermind behind the rescue operation. He is at ease with his character. Though the mission’s rarely cracks a smile he delivers a solid and unflashy performance. Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Victor Garber, Tate Donovan, Clea DuVall, Scoot McNairy, Rory Cochrane, Christopher Denham and Kerry Bishé do their bit in making ‘Argo’ a success.

Affleck manages to prove his worth after following Clint Eastwood and George Clooney as an A-list actor turned credible director. He his broadened his range from his comfort zone and won laurels for turning over a new leaf.