Argo is a 2012 American biographical historical drama thriller directed by Ben Affleck, who also stars in the film as Tony Mendez, a CIA agent.
The screenplay, written by Chris Terrio, is based on the 2007 Wired article by Joshuah Bearman, which details the "Canadian Caper" during the Iran hostage crisis of 1979. The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, and John Goodman.
The plot centers around the events following the storming of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran by Iranian militants, which resulted in 66 Americans being taken hostage. Amid the chaos, six Americans manage to escape and take refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador, Ken Taylor. The U.S. government, desperate to extract them, enlists Mendez, who devises an audacious plan to pose as a Hollywood producer scouting locations for a fictional sci-fi film titled Argo. Mendez collaborates with Hollywood professionals to create a convincing cover story, complete with a fake production company and publicity materials.
Released on October 12, 2012, Argo received critical acclaim for its direction, screenplay, and performances, particularly those of Arkin and Goodman. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $232 million worldwide against a budget of $44.5 million. It won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was praised for its tension and dark humor, effectively recreating a significant historical event with vivid attention to detail.
While the film was celebrated for its thrilling narrative and engaging storytelling, it faced some criticism for downplaying the contributions of the Canadian government in the rescue operation. Despite this, Argo remains a notable film that highlights the complexities of international relations and the ingenuity involved in covert operations during a time of crisis.