Movie: Argo

Release Date: October 12, 2012

Director: Ben Affleck

Starring: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman

Personal History: Watched Before

Rating: 8.5 Oscars out of 10

“Argo fuck yourself.”

‘Argo’ was both a commercial and critical success when it was released back in 2012. Lauded for its direction, acting and storytelling, the film received seven Academy Award nominations, winning three including Best Picture.

As soon as I walked out of the theater, I knew ‘Argo’ was a movie that would stay with me for a very long time. It has become one of my favorite movies of all time and was included in y 365 Movie Day Challenge in 2020. Here is what I said about the film a little over three years ago.

From A Movie a Day Keeps the Doctor Away January 14, 2020:

If you haven’t noticed by now, or if this is the first post that you are reading, I am a huge fan of the Academy Awards and all things Oscar. Thanks to my mom, I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t at least watching the broadcast of the award ceremony. Then mid-1980’s I became a full-fledged “geek” about them that has only intensified since that period. I shared this love of Oscars with a very dear friend of mine, who unfortunately is no longer on this planet. Of course we were in contact throughout the entire year, but from December through March, our calls, texts, chats and meetings over lettuce leaves (his joke about the only food I was able to eat safely due to an allergy) intensified.

2012 was one of our busiest years. At least for us, that year was filled with many possible Oscar contenders and movies that were generating some buzz. So of course, we tried to see them all. Although, I don’t think we actually saw any of the movies together throughout the award season. But I would get messages like, “Leaving ‘Lincoln’,” or I would send one saying “Just saw Pi.” Then either through phone call or Facebook chat we would give details about what we thought about those movies. ‘Argo’ was one of those movies.

My friend had seen the movie when it first came out and I remember him reaching out to me telling me that I must go see “Ben’s new movie.” I don’t think I actually saw it in theaters until after it was nominated for seven Academy Awards. I texted him, “I’m going to see Ben, we’ll talk later.” As soon as I walked out of the theater, we discussed. I absolutely loved the movie. It was a well-acted dramatic, intense thriller with a great cast and interesting story of which I wasn’t very familiar. My friend’s response was, “I’ve been telling you that since October.”

I don’t think that ‘Argo’ was my friend’s favorite nominated movie that year. It wasn’t mine (I think we actually have the same favorite) but it’s still a great film and holds a special place in my heart because of its memories I have of it.

‘Argo’ represents one of the later movies released to make my list. In fact, there are no films released past 2012 that are on my list of most influential movies. There are however (spoiler alert) two more films from that year that will be showing up sooner or later.

Watching ‘Argo’ today was just as exciting as seeing it the first time. It is a sit-at-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of drama. I still get chills during one of the last scenes in the movie. The visual of the plane being chased down the runway and then finally lifting off is beautifully shot. That announcement on the plane that they are out of Iranian air is quite emotional. I won’t lie. I teared up. The film really captures the intensity of the situation it portrays and it is still hard to believe that Ben Affleck wasn’t even nominated for Best Director. Luckily he was a Producer of the movie, so he has his Oscar for this triumphant accomplishment.

‘Argo’ is also quite a humorous film, thanks to both John Goodman and Alan Arkin. Alan Arkin steals every scene he is in with his Academy Award nominated role. Bryan Cranston and the rest of the ensemble are fantastic as well. The screenplay has as much wit as it does thrills, making this a must see film for all.