Argo
Academy Award × 3
Rent/Purchase
As the Iranian revolution reaches a boiling point, a CIA 'exfiltration' specialist concocts a risky plan to free six Americans who have found shelter at the home of the Canadian ambassador.
What critics thought
Argo landed as one of the most celebrated films of 2012, with critics broadly praising Affleck's controlled direction and the film's ability to generate genuine suspense from a story whose outcome is already known. The main point of contention was depth: admirers found it a masterclass in thriller craft, while skeptics argued it works precisely because you don't scrutinize it too closely, leaving little behind once the adrenaline fades.
“Ben Affleck's seamless direction catapults him to the forefront of Hollywood filmmakers turning out thoughtful entertainment.”
Stephen Holden·The New York Times
“The craft in this film is rare. It is so easy to manufacture a thriller from chases and gunfire, and so very hard to fine-tune it out of exquisite timing and a plot that's so clear to us we wonder why it isn't obvious to the Iranians.”
Roger Ebert·Chicago Sun-Times
“This is one of those movies that depend on your not thinking much about it; for as soon as you reflect on what's happening rather than being swept up in the narrative flow, there doesn't seem much to it aside from the skill with which suspense is maintained despite the fact that you know in advance how it's going to turn out.”
Stanley Fish·The New York Times
“like a movie from an earlier era—less frenetic, less showy, more focused on narrative than sensation”
The Washington Times
Genres
Biography, Drama, History
Cast & Crew
DirectorBen Affleck
StarringBen Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Victor Garber
ComposerAlexandre Desplat
Argo
Academy Award × 3
As the Iranian revolution reaches a boiling point, a CIA 'exfiltration' specialist concocts a risky plan to free six Americans who have found shelter at the home of the Canadian ambassador.
What critics thought
Argo landed as one of the most celebrated films of 2012, with critics broadly praising Affleck's controlled direction and the film's ability to generate genuine suspense from a story whose outcome is already known. The main point of contention was depth: admirers found it a masterclass in thriller craft, while skeptics argued it works precisely because you don't scrutinize it too closely, leaving little behind once the adrenaline fades.
“Ben Affleck's seamless direction catapults him to the forefront of Hollywood filmmakers turning out thoughtful entertainment.”
Stephen Holden·The New York Times
“The craft in this film is rare. It is so easy to manufacture a thriller from chases and gunfire, and so very hard to fine-tune it out of exquisite timing and a plot that's so clear to us we wonder why it isn't obvious to the Iranians.”
Roger Ebert·Chicago Sun-Times
“This is one of those movies that depend on your not thinking much about it; for as soon as you reflect on what's happening rather than being swept up in the narrative flow, there doesn't seem much to it aside from the skill with which suspense is maintained despite the fact that you know in advance how it's going to turn out.”
Stanley Fish·The New York Times
“like a movie from an earlier era—less frenetic, less showy, more focused on narrative than sensation”
The Washington Times
Genres
Biography, Drama, History
Cast & Crew
DirectorBen Affleck
StarringBen Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Victor Garber
ComposerAlexandre Desplat
Rent/Purchase