Argo (2012): Have You Watched It?
Movies do save lives. But not the way you’d expect.
Mads: So, what did you think about Argo?
Poppy: It had been on my watchlist for some time before you told me I should watch it. What made you recommend it? Were you already aware of the real events?
Mads: First of all, I really like movies based on real events. Argo is inspired by the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979 and 1980, so not only an actual story but also one that catches a glimpse of history. Which is the second reason I recommended it — big fan of history movies here! I didn't know about the hostage crisis in Iran before watching Argo and it was interesting to learn about events like these that often remain unmarked. What was your first impression?
Poppy: The first ten minutes were probably the most intense part of the movie for me. I could somehow feel the character’s anxiety and panic and you barely had time to breathe in and relax as a viewer. You are immediately thrown into the story: The United States embassy in Tehran is taken over by a group of Iranian students in 1979, following the Iranian Revolution. It’s been 50 years since the event and yet that kind of uproar and tension feel timeless. What are your thoughts on the opening? Did you feel the same?
Mads: I think because I watched Argo around the time a somewhat similar situation was happening in the world, I related to the tension a bit more than expected. The mix between the scenes and the real-life footage made the emotions even more tangible and intense.
Poppy: I was wondering if that level of intensity would persist throughout the entire movie (and actually started wondering if I can even keep up with it in the long run). But then the pace changes, from the U.S. embassy in Tehran we move to the C.I.A. headquarters in Virginia and we meet the main character, Tony Mendez, played by Ben Affleck. So, who is Mendez?
Mads: Tony Mendez was an American technical operation officer at the C.I.A. which probably means more than we know, clandestine and covert operations. Argo portrays one of his tasks, to rescue the six Americans that managed to exit the U.S. embassy before the takeover. The way they thought to do it was referred to as "the best bad idea we had". What did you think of it?
Poppy: The plan was definitely not something you would expect when you think of C.I.A. operations. If the movie had not been based on real events, as a viewer you would probably think that the rescue plan was unrealistic or that real agents would come up with a — how should I put it? — less Hollywoodesque idea. Trying not to give too many spoilers here, but what I can say about the plan is that movies can save lives sometimes, but not the way you’d expect.
Mads: That's true. If it was a fiction movie, I would have said the idea is a bit far-fetched. But I guess that's how real life works most of the time. We expect divine inspiration, master plans, and ingenious solutions when it all comes down to the easy things. What did you think of the characters?
Poppy: I liked how Affleck was very subdued in his acting. He kept his composure throughout the movie and in very few moments could we get a glimpse at his inner disposition. And maybe you can’t be otherwise when you work as an exfiltration specialist.
His composure came in contrast with the Hollywood makeup artist John Chambers played by John Goodman and the film producer Lester Siegel, played by Alan Arkin. The dark humor and sarcasm in their interactions were delightful and their acting was great (no wonder Arkin was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture at the Golden Globes).
It felt like watching a great comedy instead of a thriller during those scenes, which was a nice touch. Which characters or scenes caught your attention?
Chambers: It doesn’t matter! It’s a fake movie!
Siegel: If I’m making a fake movie, it’s gonna be a fake hit.
Mads: Great scene selection! I did enjoy the humor sprinkle here and there. As you said, it was needed to cut through the intense tension of the movie. I'm going to put things into perspective here and talk a bit about a scene that stood out for me. While the plot was following the details of the exfiltration, I found it interesting to see how the people trapped in the embassy were doing. There was a scene that I think illustrates the terror and the emotional distress very intensely. The revolutionaries selected random hostages and covered their heads with black cloth. Then they took them to a different room, lined them up, and pointed guns at each one of them. The hostages could only feel the intensity of the moment and hear the sound of charging weapons. They were ready to face their death as terror filled the air, but they didn't. That's how they inflicted trauma and despair. Horrifying sight.
Poppy: That was definitely one of the most impactful scenes for me, too. It stood out even more because of the way they alternated scenes with the hostages with scenes of a fastidious press event. It was a parallel that increased the tension.
Mads: What do you think about the way Argo portrayed the real-life event?
Poppy: I usually feel a bit reluctant when watching movies based on real events. Certain aspects can be either oversimplified or exaggerated; important information can be omitted, giving a skewed version of the story; certain characters can be easily transformed into villains, especially when it comes to conflicts between two countries, as it is in this case.
I appreciated the fact that the Iranian people were not portrayed as villains — at least I did not perceive them as such — , I could understand the reasons behind their anger and distrust towards the Americans. As I am not familiar with the events at all, I am curious to find out more about what happened after watching this movie and I am sure there were many nuances that were missed. Did you feel the same?
Mads: Yes, I had the feeling too. The Iranians were to some extent justified in their action and the fact that the people at the embassy had to get rid of most of their documents sustained that idea. And I like your remark at the beginning, that when it comes to movies based on true stories specific aspects can be interpreted differently. But truth be told, real life is far too complex to fit in a two-hour time frame, so certain aspects are bound to be omitted. This, by no means, justifies distorted reality, but I think it's good to keep in mind that is a cinematic production after all. I do appreciate that movies based on real-life bring to the surface less-known/forgotten events in history. What do you think of the movie from an artistic perspective?
Poppy: There were certain aspects in the story that left me wanting more detailed information — What exactly happened between Mendez and his wife? What happened to the people held hostage at the U.S. embassy (I can only imagine the distress they must have been through) during all that time? What was the story of the Canadian ambassador’s Iranian housekeeper who had short screentime but had a big role in the overall story?
At the same time, I realize that adding more subplots could have affected the flow of the movie (which is already 120 minutes long as it is). Was there anything you wish was different about the movie?
Mads: As you mentioned, I would have liked a more balanced take between the six that managed to escape and the hostages still at the embassy. I do realize they were not the main focus of the plot, yet at the same time throughout the movie, I couldn't help but wonder what the U.S. government's action plan to save them was.
Poppy: The C.I.A. operation in Tehran was classified until 1997. The movie made me question what we consider to be true today and might be only fragments of the truth. What was your overall impression of the movie?
Mads: All in all, I believe the movie illustrated quite fairly the amount of stress and risk these kinds of operations involve, from the emotional stress of the hostages to the nerve-wracking pressure of the authorities. Even if the plot was not as close to reality, as some argue, I am glad it brought to light a slice of history that was classified for so long. It puts things into perspective, not on who the real heroes of the story are, but the tragedy that it caused to so many. What are your thoughts on it?
Poppy: It was definitely a movie that brought to attention an event that many people were unaware of and it managed to do so by combining suspense and drama with a touch of comedy. But at the end of the day, as you said, we need to realize this is entertainment and not a documentary and that a real-life event will never be portrayed in its full complexity within a two-hour time frame.
Similar movies: Captain Phillips (2013), The Imitation Game (2014)
