Enjoyable film, despite it's overt political aspects

Rating: 7/10 (18 March 2013)

*SPOILERS* (Just in Case) The Iranian hostage crisis of 1979-1980 is still present, albeit distant, in the minds of Americans. Ben Affleck's "Argo" tells the tale of an event that stirred much patriotism and emotion in America. This is where my problem with the film begins. On the whole, the story is compelling and draws from its audience a base humanistic response. We do feel for the characters who are stuck in a situation which really has nothing to do with them. My discontent with the film arises in the fact that it proliferates a feeling of animosity, which many Americans are already feeling, toward the Middle East. The problem, I feel, is that we are given a sense of elation and joy in seeing America pull one over on Iran. As one born and raised in America I, politically speaking, already have negative feelings towards certain cultural aspects of the Middle East. Yes it is alien to us. As one who has traveled quite a bit, foreign cultures usually intrigue me, but here I find myself cursing at the screen for the irrational mob mentality of the Iranian people we see in the film. I was born well after this situation panned out and I still take a biased stand against the seemingly insane actions of the rioters. I knew the history going into the film and tried to remain non-biased; but I couldn't help but get angry towards the mob. This being said the film did draw an excellent job creating tension. I was still at the edge of my seat in moments even though I knew the outcome. There is one Iranian woman who we see some development for and that is the housemaid of the Canadian ambassador. We don't know if we can trust her but do feel sympathy towards her character. Still, "Argo" draws a fine line between humanity and patriotism.
The introduction and development of the protagonist is done very well. Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) is a CIA agent hired to propose and/or execute a plan of extraction for the refugees. The first part of the film sets up his character and the idea of using a fake movie to help smuggle the escaped hostages out of the country. The idea is put in Mendez's mind through his son. We see him talking on the phone with him and we get the picture, through the dialogue, that there is a certain strain in their relationship (at least on Mendez's side). This is an effective technique because we get to see this unknown CIA agent as a relatable person. Later this serves to help gain the trust of the six refuges he seeks to help. I felt this was effective and served the movie well. Where it loses me is the drawn out aspect of it. I care about his son because it paints this agent not as a superhero but as a normal guy. The film ending on this note, and the resolving hug between him and a wife we know nothing about, is a bit of a corny ending in my opinion. It is not wrong to me- just weak.
"Argo" had many good moments in it. The film keeps its viewer involved and, for those who wish to be, moves them. Go into this film with an open mind and try to take it out of its historical context. Alan Arkin has many a great one-liners as usual and Affleck's acting is on par in this role. Overall I wouldn't say it deserved best picture, but it was nonetheless a good watch.