Film Review - Argo (2012)

Argo is the third film to be directed by Ben Affleck and the second in which he both directs and stars, the story here revolves around the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979, six Americans escape and seek refuge in the Canadian embassy, but the clock is ticking to get them out and it may take a crazy article of faith to make it happen.

I went into Argo with a sense of enthusiasm as I was very impressed by Affleck's directorial work on his previous film the Town, so did he pull it off once more?

Happily, he most certainly did, the film is a nearly pitch perfect piece of filmmaking pie with not one tie the such left unturned, the scenes in Iran where war could break out with one false move are beautifully put together with a very real sense of tension that had me almost biting off both of my pinky fingers and if that happened probably doing the others as well, Affleck always makes sure his audience are brought along for the ride nor does he leave his audience confused or lost as to who the key players are, where the key locations are and how it all unfolds amongst the period of the film's setting, this is simply the work of a master of his craft.

But my praise doesn't end there, the film also has a fantastic cast with Alan Arkin, Kyle Chandler, John Goodman and Bryan Cranston all giving outstanding performances that are peppered with elements of tension, depth and humour, the film also is beautifully edited by William Goldenburg and beautifully shot by Rodrigo Prieto, the work of both these men captures the period beautifully as does the music and sound design.

So all in all, Argo is beautifully made and really confirms Affleck as the real deal in the director's chair, not since James Cameron's work have I been so impressed with a director, can't wait to see what he does next, 4 and a half out of 5.