Oscar Watch: Ben Affleck Directs and Stars in "Argo"

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

In the middle of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, a sly CIA agent decides to enlist the help of Hollywood bigwigs to pull off a ballsy mission - rescue six Americans who are hiding out in the Canadian embassy in Tehran. The agent, Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck), teams up with make-up artist John Chambers (John Goodman) and producer Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin) to devise a plan to create a phony sci-fi film, entitled Argo, to be partially shot in Iran. The "filmmakers" are looking for exotic locales to front as an otherworldly landscape. Mendez will be traveling alone and once he arrives in Iran, he will coach the hostages to be "experts" in some aspect of filmmaking, such as set design, and then escort them out of the hostile environment and safely back home.

It just so happens that Argo is based on true events and CIA agent Tony Mendez was able to successfully complete his mission. That is not a spoiler, as the information was declassified in the late 1990's, and the amazing story is now playing out on screens nationwide. Director Ben Affleck, who does double duty as lead actor, has crafted a pulse pounding film that will leave viewers at the edge of their seats, despite already knowing the outcome of the film. The screenplay, by Chris Terrio, expertly lays out the plan, as Mendez, Chambers and Siegel go to great lengths to make Argo look like the real thing. A script is chosen, tables readings are done, storyboards, which play a huge role in the success of the mission, are created, and the film receives the full press treatment. Despite the serious nature of the story, the screenplay is filled with several comedic moments, including a running joke about the titular fake film that Tony, John and Lester use to great effect.

Yes, the plan is ingenious, but the seemingly impossible task of executing it and getting the six men and women to safety falls upon Mendez alone, who is determined to successfully complete his task. Despite facing a number of setbacks and even receiving word from his superiors that the mission has been cancelled, Mendez remains undeterred, even when some of the Americans refuse to take part in the plan. However, if they do not leave Iran, they will surely be killed when they are discovered.

Affleck assembles a likable and terrific cast, including the aforementioned Alan Arkin and John Goodman, who are both outstanding in their respective roles. In addition, Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) portrays the no-nonsense and commanding Jack O'Donnell, a CIA official who uses his creativity and persuasiveness to do everything possible to assist Mendez. The talented supporting cast includes Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights), Tate Donovan (Damages), Victor Garber (Alias) and the great character actor Philip Baker Hall (The Talented Mr. Ripley). However, it is Affleck who receives the most screen time and delivers the strongest work, as Mendez. He often looks beleaguered, but is steadfast in his belief that the plan will work. However, the level of responsibility that he feels is palpable and will endear him to viewers, who will root for him every step of the way.

Ben Affleck has created what is probably his best film to date. Considering his other films include Gone Baby Gone and The Town, that is quite an achievement. Argo should allow the veteran actor/director to once again receive Oscar consideration because his latest effort is, without question, one of the best films of 2012.