According to Wikipedia, an argot ( French, Spanish, and Catalan for “slang”) is a secret language used by various groups—including, but not limited to, thieves and other criminals—to prevent outsiders from understanding their conversations.
Phonetically the same, with the silent “t” now terminated (with extreme prejudice?), ARGO is the title of a cracker of a clandestine caper purported to be true, lately declassified, after a thirty year security embargo.
When the United States embassy in Tehran is breached at the height of the Iranian Revolution, six American staffers seek refuge and are given succour at the Canadian embassy.
As the turmoil in Tehran escalates anti American sentiment in Iran, CIA and State Department specialists frantically fulminate on exfiltration plans.
One such expert, Tony Mendez, concocts a plot that, in cahoots with Hollywood, offers a farfetched but fundamentally feasible rescue mission.
ARGO is WAG THE DOG out of CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR, a remarkable tale brilliantly executed, with a sparkling script studded with diamond dialogue crafted by Chris Terrio. This film is full of spook speak and Hollywood argot all made crystal clear to non industry ears.
In his third helming of a feature film, Ben Affleck casts himself as Terry Mendez and consolidates his ability to self-direct. As a testament to the strength of the screenplay and his steadily growing reputation as a director of astute capability, Affleck has surrounded himself with a cast that is flawless.
As seasoned spooks and weary world watchers there’s Bryan Cranston, Philip Baker Hall, Chris Messina, and Kyle Chandler.
Much of the humour comes from the Hollywood hacks, Alan Arkin as crusty producer Lester Siegel and John Goodman as make-up maven, John Chambers. Their banter, proclamations, and deal making, provide a litany of laughs which perfectly leavens the high tension life and death drama at the core of the picture.
A super Score by Alexandre Desplat, impressive lensing by Rodrigo Prieto all adds up to a smart entertainment that is already attracting Oscar buzz.
© Richard Cotter
24th October, 2012
Tags: Sydney Movie News- ARGO, Chris Terrio, Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Phillip Baker Hall, Chris Messina, Kyle Chandler, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Alexander Desplat, Rodrigo Prieto, Sydney Arts Guide, Richard Cotter.