Argo (2012)
If only filmmaking could resolve all Iranian conflicts.
Presentation:
Like many people, I watched Argo 10 years ago simply because it won an Oscar, which is generally a decent indicator of a good film. The first time I didn’t really grasp the political importance of the film since I was a teenager and so I was pretty lukewarm. But with the war in Iran in 2026, this film seems to be all the more relevant. There’s only 5 minutes of historical context, which I would say is mostly neutral though leaving out some context to the opposition. In terms of tone it’s still a popcorny thriller flick with entertaining tension of a daring CIA escape mission. What makes the film unique is its tonal split between the gravitas of a life or death mission combined with the levity of the Hollywood filmmaking industry. Ben Affleck is the same stoic blasé face as always, but his performance works here. The mission is exciting and the visuals also ramp up production at times.
Conclusion:
If you’re going into this expecting an experience best picture worthy, it may disappoint, but it’s still an enjoyable film. I have a soft spot for Iranian politics, perhaps the only modern foreign conflict that I care about because of their filmmaking. That’s what pushes this film over the edge for me, but for everyone else this may be just another decent CIA thriller.
Recommendations
Political assassination is never what it seems…