Argo

In November 1979 a group of militants took over the United States Embassy in Tehran holding 52 staff members hostage for 444 days. Six diplomats who evaded capture hid in other Embassies until they were rescued a year ahead of the others under a ruse that they were participating in a film project.

'Argo' tells the story of that ruse and rescue or rather that ruse and rescue are the inspiration for this thriller. The film does not purport to be a factual representation, instead it states it is 'based' on a true story. The title 'Argo' is said to be the title of the film that the six fake film workers were planning to make.

You don't have to have much historical knowledge to realise that theatrical licence has been taken with the actual events. For one thing it seems highly unlikely the Iranians would have approved a film project at that sensitive time which promoted itself with scantily clad women. Nevertheless 'Argo' skillfully blends actual news images from the time with its own photography. The end credits include an interesting comparison of actual images of the events and participants with the film's equivalents.

Viewed simply as a thriller this is quite an enjoyable film.

★★★★