October 12, 2012 in GENRES
ARGO
RYAN: Ben Affleck, or B’Affleck, as I like to call him, directs and stars in this one, as he did in The Town. He also directed Gone Baby Gone; and so far, I’ve been impressed by all of his directorial efforts.
CAROLINE: And how does this one compare?
RYAN: It’s stunning. His previous films were both totally worthy and competent and this one should also get some Oscar noms. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s even nominated as director.
CAROLINE: Wow. Kudos to him. This is based on a true story.
RYAN: It’s crazy! This is really one of those “you can’t make up a story like this” kind of story. What these people experienced and what B’Affleck’s character accomplished is truly remarkable. It’s a brilliantly cinematic story and he realized it on film the way it deserves.
CAROLINE: One of his greatest strengths in his previous films was the pacing.
RYAN: This movie is totally suspenseful and exciting; very edge of your seat, sometimes verging on frantic energy. You completely begin to care about the plight of these people and the very possible reality they might not make it out of Iran and be executed. It’s scary.
CAROLINE: But it’s not a horror movie.
RYAN: Not at all. It’s drama. The late 70s period recreated in this movie is great and it’s colorized in a tone that dates it as well. Ben is fantastic and the cast is great.
CAROLINE: John Goodman, Alan Arkin, Victor Garber, Tate Donovan…
RYAN: And Clea DuVall. They all give very good, measured performances.
CAROLINE: Do you think there will be any acting nominations?
RYAN: Possibly but I’m thinking more for the film overall and director.
CAROLINE: He has another hit on his hands.
RYAN: He’s the closest thing his generation has to Clint Eastwood.
CAROLINE: Yeah I know what you mean.
RYAN: It’s incredibly effective as both a movie and a history lesson. And it’s still relevant today since there’s ongoing tension with the Middle East. It’s a great example of when a movie is so good, you feel swept up into it. This is one of the year’s best films and definitely one to see on the big screen.
CAROLINE: Yeah I know what you mean.
RYAN: It’s incredibly effective as both a movie and a history lesson. And it’s still relevant today since there’s ongoing tension with the Middle East. It’s a great example of when a movie is so good, you feel swept up into it. This is one of the year’s best films and definitely one to see on the big screen.
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