Argo (2012)

Argo is a critically acclaimed historical drama directed by Ben Affleck, based on real events. The film masterfully blends suspense, dark humor, and political intrigue, telling a stranger-than-fiction story about a CIA mission to extract six American diplomats during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. It’s a compelling mix of espionage, Hollywood satire, and nerve-wracking tension that earned widespread praise.

Detailed Summary

Tehran, 1979: Chaos at the Embassy

The film begins during the Iranian Revolution, as protesters storm the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. In the chaos, 66 Americans are taken hostage. However, six diplomats manage to escape and find refuge in the home of Canadian Ambassador Ken Taylor.

This creates an urgent problem: how to get these six people out without risking the lives of all involved. The U.S. government fears that if the Iranians discover the missing diplomats, they’ll be executed publicly as spies.

Enter Tony Mendez and “The Best Bad Idea”

CIA exfiltration specialist Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) is brought in to figure out a way to extract the six. After dismissing several implausible rescue plans, Mendez pitches an audacious idea: pretend the six are Canadian filmmakers scouting exotic Middle Eastern locations for a fake science-fiction film called Argo.

To make the cover story credible, Mendez heads to Hollywood, enlisting the help of real industry insiders: makeup artist John Chambers (John Goodman) and producer Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin). They create a fake production company, get press coverage, storyboards, posters, and even host a script reading—all to sell the illusion that Argo is a real movie.

Into the Lion’s Den

Mendez travels to Tehran under the alias “Kevin Harkins,” a Canadian film producer. Armed with forged documents and nerve, he coaches the six escapees on their new identities, convincing them to learn their cover stories in detail.

Every step in Tehran is a tightrope walk. They’re nearly exposed multiple times: during a tense scene in the marketplace, at a security checkpoint, and at the airport. The fake movie becomes their real lifeline.

High Tension at the Airport

The climax of the film takes place at Mehrabad Airport, where the group attempts to leave Iran. Iranian guards grow suspicious and begin investigating their story. Meanwhile, the CIA back in Langley cancels the mission due to political pressure, but Mendez, risking his career, decides to go ahead anyway.

With moments to spare, the mission is reauthorized, and tickets are released. The group boards the plane as Iranian soldiers race onto the tarmac in pursuit. The aircraft takes off just in time, with the guards watching helplessly.

It’s an edge-of-your-seat sequence that delivers cinematic suspense—though some liberties were taken from the actual historical events to heighten the drama.

Movie Ending (Spoilers Ahead)

Once safely in Swiss airspace, the group celebrates quietly—finally free after weeks in hiding. Back in the U.S., Tony Mendez is welcomed as a hero, though his role must remain classified.

He returns to his estranged family, particularly reconnecting with his young son. The final scenes show him receiving the Intelligence Star, a high CIA honor, in a private ceremony. He is told he cannot keep the medal or ever publicly talk about his mission.

Eventually, the operation is declassified by President Clinton in the 1990s. The film ends with a voiceover from President Jimmy Carter, who reflects on the covert operation’s success, acknowledging it as one of the CIA’s finest moments.

It’s a poignant ending that balances patriotism, secrecy, and the human cost of intelligence work.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Argo does not feature any post-credits scenes. However, during the closing credits, the film draws direct comparisons between the actors and their real-life counterparts, displaying side-by-side photos. It also includes real news footage and updates about the historical events depicted.

This thoughtful montage adds realism and reinforces the film’s “based on a true story” appeal.

Type of Movie

Argo is a historical thriller and political drama, with strong elements of espionage, black comedy, and Hollywood satire. It deftly blends suspense and historical accuracy with moments of levity.

Cast

• Ben Affleck as Tony Mendez
• Bryan Cranston as Jack O’Donnell
• Alan Arkin as Lester Siegel
• John Goodman as John Chambers
• Victor Garber as Ken Taylor
• Tate Donovan, Clea DuVall, Scoot McNairy, Christopher Denham, Kerry Bishé, and Rory Cochrane as the six escapees
• Kyle Chandler as Hamilton Jordan

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by Alexandre Desplat, whose music complements the tension and emotional undertones of the story. The score blends traditional orchestral sounds with Middle Eastern motifs, enhancing both the suspenseful and human aspects of the film.

Filming Locations

Argo was filmed in a variety of international and domestic locations to recreate 1970s Iran:

• Istanbul, Turkey stood in for Tehran.
• Los Angeles, for the Hollywood scenes and CIA offices.
• Washington, D.C., for scenes in government buildings.
• Ontario, Canada, doubled for both the U.S. and Iran in some indoor shots.

Istanbul’s unique architecture helped mimic Tehran’s look in 1979 without the need to shoot in Iran itself, which would have been impossible.

Awards and Nominations

Argo swept the 2013 awards season:

• Academy Awards (Oscars):
  • Best Picture (Winner)
  • Best Adapted Screenplay (Winner)
  • Best Film Editing (Winner)
  • Nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Alan Arkin), Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Original Score
• Golden Globes:
  • Best Motion Picture – Drama (Winner)
  • Best Director – Ben Affleck (Winner)
• BAFTA Awards:
  • Best Film (Winner)
  • Best Director (Winner)
  • Best Editing (Winner)

It was widely recognized as one of the best films of 2012.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Ben Affleck grew his beard and wore 1970s clothing to authentically portray Tony Mendez and fit the era.
• Alan Arkin’s famous line, “Argo f** yourself,”* was improvised during rehearsal and became a catchphrase.
• The real Tony Mendez consulted on the film and praised Affleck’s performance, although he was initially skeptical about the Hollywood treatment.
• The Hollywood satire parts of the film were inspired by actual practices—studios routinely set up fake productions for various purposes.
• The film took minor liberties with historical events, particularly the airport chase, which was far less dramatic in real life.

Inspirations and References

• The film is based on Tony Mendez’s memoir, The Master of Disguise, and a 2007 Wired article titled “The Great Escape: How the CIA Used a Fake Sci-Fi Flick to Rescue Americans from Tehran” by Joshuah Bearman.
• Real CIA documents, declassified in 1997, served as key reference material.
• The fictional film Argo within the movie was designed to resemble actual 1970s science fiction, inspired by Star Wars and Barbarella.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no publicly known alternate endings. Some deleted scenes—mostly involving extended dialogue or character development—are available in the film’s Blu-ray release but do not alter the plot significantly.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The movie was inspired by real events and adapted from:

• The Master of Disguise by Tony Mendez
• Wired Magazine’s article by Joshuah Bearman

Differences include:

• The airport climax is heavily dramatized. In real life, the departure was far smoother.
• Canada’s role was more prominent than portrayed; the film downplays this to focus on the CIA operation.
• The character Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin) is fictional, a composite based on real Hollywood figures.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The storming of the U.S. Embassy.
• Mendez pitching the fake movie idea: “This is the best bad idea we have.”
• Hollywood montage of building the Argo production.
• The airport escape with the last-minute ticket release.
• Tony receiving the Intelligence Star in a private, thankless ceremony.

Iconic Quotes

• Lester Siegel: “Argo f*** yourself.”
• Tony Mendez: “There are only bad options. It’s about finding the best one.”
• John Chambers: “If I’m going to make a fake movie, it’s going to be a fake hit.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The fake Argo screenplay is loosely based on Roger Zelazny’s sci-fi novel Lord of Light.
• Real posters and Hollywood storyboards from the 1970s were recreated for authenticity.
• CIA documents shown in the film are modeled on actual declassified records.
• The film subtly references real-life Hollywood legends, like Jack Warner and Warren Beatty.

Trivia

• The real Tony Mendez passed away in 2019.
• The CIA later acknowledged the mission as one of the most successful covert operations in its history.
• Ben Affleck directed and starred but chose not to nominate himself for Best Actor to avoid potential bias.
• The film was banned in Iran, which criticized it as pro-American propaganda.
• Alan Arkin’s performance earned him over 10 award nominations, despite not being based on a real person.

Why Watch?

If you enjoy edge-of-your-seat political thrillers, real-life espionage, or stories where truth is stranger than fiction, Argo is a must-watch. It’s smart, well-paced, and manages to balance tension, humor, and history in equal measure.

Director’s Other Movies

• Gone Baby Gone (2007)
• The Town (2010)
• Live by Night (2016)
• Air (2023)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Bridge of Spies (2015)
• Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
• Body of Lies (2008)
• Munich (2005)
• The Post (2017)
• All the President’s Men (1976)
• Charlie Wilson’s War (2007)