Argo, a modern classic

Ben Affleck produced one of the best directorial and lead actor efforts of the decade with Argo, a clever hybrid of political thriller and old-fashioned Hollywood caper that gripped from the first frame to the last.

Based on true events, Affleck raises the tension to visceral heights when CIA ‘exfiltration’ expert Tony Mendez devises an almost impossible plan to extract six US embassy workers stranded in Tehran in 1979, at the height of the Iranian hostage crisis.

Affleck ensures that even familiar sequences like the harrowing airport escape hold the audience hostage.

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And his impeccable cast, including Bryan Cranston and John Goodman, deliver profound performances within this lighter heist material.

Visually, Affleck and cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto construct a smoky, labyrinthine Tehran that exudes paranoia alongside bustling evocations of the 1970s Burbank studio era.

A technical triumph and a narrative triumph, Argo proves why Affleck may be modern Hollywood's greatest triple threat.

Already a modern classic, this taut suspense story will be repeated for decades to come.

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Argo received widespread critical acclaim and earned numerous award nominations, including Best Picture at the 2013 Academy Awards, where it took home the top prize.

Ben Affleck also won Best Director honors from the Golden Globes, Directors Guild of America, and BAFTAs for his superb work steering this intricately crafted film.

In addition, the ensemble cast received a SAG Award, and the screenplay by Chris Terrio won the Oscar. Argo truly was one of the most celebrated and honored films of its year.

Commercially, Argo was also a huge success, grossing over $230 million worldwide against its modest $44 million budget, proving great storytelling continues to resonate with audiences.

Its $136 million domestic total made it one of Affleck's highest-grossing films as director and demonstrated the power of true-life political thrillers to captivate worldwide.

Truly, Argo cemented Affleck as not just an A-list movie star but one of modern cinema's finest behind-the-camera storytellers. Its accolades and bountiful revenues were richly deserved. A titanic achievement!