ARGO - Worth Every Penny
POSTED BY: SHINYGOODGUY
UPDATED: Thursday, February 28, 2013 00:51
VIEWED: 6047
PAGE 2 of 3
Quote:
Originally posted by SHINYGOODGUY:
Hey Whosit,
What was the fallout with the movie? I only heard bits and pieces, something to do with the laughable comments made by some of the Hollywood characters in the movie (namely those portrayed by Goodman and Arkin).
Do tell!
SGG
I'm not sure, all I know is Affleck was snubed by the Academy (for best director) but is winning everywhere else. This must piss off those old fart voters at the Academy. I'm sure "Zero Dark 30" won't win anything because it isn't the love letter to Obama most people thought it would be.
It is rare a flick wins for best picture when the director isn't nominated, last one was "Driving Miss Daisey" over 20 years ago. It doesn't matter this year though, the show will draw big ratings because most of the films nominated did great box office.
I think all the flicks nominated belong on the list, last year was a great year (for Joss
) for the film bizz. I think the big question at this years show is will Seth MacFarlane suck as host?
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There are very few countries a major nation does not have diplomatic and economic relations with. Iran sold the West oil and the West sold them all sorts of stuff. You cannot maintain good relations if you are constantly trying to overthrow other nations' governments because they are run by people who could not win an election in the US. Actually, the Shah was always under pressure from the US government to shape up. In the region he was considered a failure because he did not support Islamic conservatism. Nor did his father, who had a famous showdown with the religious establishment. The mullahs blinked. The son did not have the same will to keep the religious fanatics under control and continue modernization. All that freedom and economic opportunity went away with the Shah. The police state tactics (SOP in that part of the world, and for the Iranians for thousands of years, they could be said to have invented that sort of thing) did not go away with the Shah, but got worse. Go find some Iranians in the West and ask them what changed after the Shah fell. You can't ask Iranians in Iran those questions because it could get them killed.
Also keep in mind that during the Cold War, if you did not make nice to a country, they would invite the Soviets (Russians)in. This sort of thing was poison in American domestic politics. All politics is local, not just in terms of place, but also in terms of time.
Quote:
Originally posted by SHINYGOODGUY:
Suasor,
"The only flaw I could detect was early on when they gave some "history" of the revolution that portrayed Iran as the victim of Western imperialism."
Given the theme of the movie, the well-known Hostage Crisis of 1979-80, and the not-so-well-known story of the 6 escapees, I thought the synopsis, although brief, fit to a T. Besides, in context, it was as accurate as the declassified facts would allow. The US Government did prop up and support the Shah (King) of Iran.
"During Mohammad Reza's reign, the Iranian oil industry was briefly nationalized under Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh before a US-backed coup d'état overturned the regime and brought back foreign oil firms,"
"other factors contributed to strong opposition to the Shah among certain groups within Iran, the most notable of which were the U.S. and UK backed coup d'état against Mosaddegh in 1953, clashes with Islamists, and increased communist activity. By 1979, political unrest had transformed into a revolution which, on 16 January, forced the Shah to leave Iran."
I remember when the Shah was granted asylum here in the US, due to so-called "medical reasons." It is curious to me why a nation that revolted against British Monarchy would support a Islamic Monarch. Nonetheless, the opening sequence to the movie did serve the theme of the story however distasteful to our current political sensibilities.
You bring up some interesting points about the "bullies" of the Mideast. In Iran's overall historical background spanning thousands of years, they may have been just that. The US Government, in their infinite wisdom, saw fit to contribute to a piece of that history. Was it to gain access to the untapped potential of the region's oil? I'm not smart enough to know the answer to that.
SGG
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Quote:
Originally posted by SHINYGOODGUY:
Hey Sleepy,
Thank you for your positive words, but what I do is encapsulate my thoughts and motivations about the movie, I'm giving a short version. Partially because I'm so busy these days, but also because I'm an amateur, a lover of movies (as I believe you are as well). As part of my college curriculum I studied film and grew to love it even more, as the professor opened up my tastes for the medium (I once hated foreign films, ah youth!).
No probs Shiny. It was good to be able to read it. Usually I have to stay clear as I'm not that current with newly released films. So I was happy to be able to click on your post this time :D Interesting you also studied film. I did that too. The first time was on an academic level and I enjoyed that. (I developed a profound love for Film Noir) the second time was a practical endeavour, which almost destroyed my love of films.
Quote:
But nonetheless, you make some good points, Affleck has become stronger with each film he directs, Argo, by far, is his best and damn near a masterpiece. I truly enjoyed the way in which he told the story, it was, as you say, not showy and very much on point. I agree that he allows the scene to unfold quite naturally. I found it very organic, like drinking a glass of milk after eating a chocolate chip cookie. Of course, I remember those harrowing days.
Indeed. I usually don't like 'Based-On-True-Events' Films. Not my favourite genre. But as I watched I just sank into the story, without concern for the film. That's unusual for me.
Right now I like Affleck styles a lot! He isn't using his films as a calling card or as a platform to illustrate some kind of 'style' or 'fashion'. It means he's taking on projects that he genuinely likes for the story.
Quote:
I never actually gave him a thought regarding the next Star Wars trilogy, but it sounds like a plan.
I think he could pull it off.
I like JJ Abrams but his work does have a 'look'. Wether that will interfere with the new Star Wars material I don't know, but for something like star wars that has an established look and feel, JJ's 'design' may jar with the content.
We'll see. Just out of curiosity, who would be your choice?
S
°...Well here I am.°
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Studying film could be both a blessing and a curse. Having said that, I love film, particularly the end product. It is art that engages the senses, but inspires the imagination. During my study I became more enamored with the medium, and I recently completed another step in my development, I read Sidney Lumet's Making Movies. If you haven't, read it. It should be required reading for film students and aficionados. I sometimes find myself critiquing, rather than enjoying a movie.
But with Argo it was different, as you said, I was engaged and transported by the story and how it was portrayed (until the chase on the tarmac where, I felt Hollywood's "hand." Probably for dramatic effect). My fav is sci-fi, but I have a soft spot for Film Noir as well.
I agree that Affleck has focused, quite correctly, on story over style. That sets him apart. The actors he has worked with have all sang his praises. Abrams, on the other hand, does lean more toward style, although he does have an interesting approach to storytelling. Star Trek was half good, but he relied heavily on style. I liked it, but was not Wow'd. I believe he has great potential, but he's still searching for his approach, whereas Affleck already knows.
For Star Wars, I like your idea for Affleck, and I also like Joe Johnston.
At one time I liked Jon Favreau (Iron Man), but his Iron Man 2 was disappointing. Then there's Joss. I think he would make a great director for the next chapters. Of course my all-time favorite is Irvin Kershner.
SGG
Quote:
Originally posted by THESOMNAMBULIST:Quote:
Originally posted by SHINYGOODGUY:
Hey Sleepy,
Thank you for your positive words, but what I do is encapsulate my thoughts and motivations about the movie, I'm giving a short version. Partially because I'm so busy these days, but also because I'm an amateur, a lover of movies (as I believe you are as well). As part of my college curriculum I studied film and grew to love it even more, as the professor opened up my tastes for the medium (I once hated foreign films, ah youth!).
No probs Shiny. It was good to be able to read it. Usually I have to stay clear as I'm not that current with newly released films. So I was happy to be able to click on your post this time :D Interesting you also studied film. I did that too. The first time was on an academic level and I enjoyed that. (I developed a profound love for Film Noir) the second time was a practical endeavour, which almost destroyed my love of films.Quote:
But nonetheless, you make some good points, Affleck has become stronger with each film he directs, Argo, by far, is his best and damn near a masterpiece. I truly enjoyed the way in which he told the story, it was, as you say, not showy and very much on point. I agree that he allows the scene to unfold quite naturally. I found it very organic, like drinking a glass of milk after eating a chocolate chip cookie. Of course, I remember those harrowing days.
Indeed. I usually don't like 'Based-On-True-Events' Films. Not my favourite genre. But as I watched I just sank into the story, without concern for the film. That's unusual for me.
Right now I like Affleck styles a lot! He isn't using his films as a calling card or as a platform to illustrate some kind of 'style' or 'fashion'. It means he's taking on projects that he genuinely likes for the story.
Quote:
I never actually gave him a thought regarding the next Star Wars trilogy, but it sounds like a plan.
I think he could pull it off.
I like JJ Abrams but his work does have a 'look'. Wether that will interfere with the new Star Wars material I don't know, but for something like star wars that has an established look and feel, JJ's 'design' may jar with the content.
We'll see. Just out of curiosity, who would be your choice?
S
°...Well here I am.°
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Originally posted by SHINYGOODGUY:
Quote:
(until the chase on the tarmac where, I felt Hollywood's "hand." Probably for dramatic effect).
Yes this was the only point where I did find myself wanting to check this out too for authenticity. However given the outlandishness of the 'real' events I sort of could believe it.
Quote:
Abrams, on the other hand, does lean more toward style, although he does have an interesting approach to storytelling. Star Trek was half good, but he relied heavily on style. I liked it, but was not Wow'd. I believe he has great potential, but he's still searching for his approach, whereas Affleck already knows.
Totally agree!
Quote:
Then there's Joss. I think he would make a great director for the next chapters. Of course my all-time favorite is Irvin Kershner.
Joss would be great, and the best writer for the job too, but there's a part of me that doesn't want him becoming involved in Star Wars. It's like crossing the streams. You don't cross the streams! :D
Kershner R.I.P.
°...Well here I am.°
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That's understandable, some movies just don't do it for you. I'm that way with Scarface, don't see the fascination with this movie. Kubrick's Barry Lyndon puts me to sleep as well, and I love period pieces.
But not all movies are all things to the people at large. Me, I get a kick out of Singing in the Rain and Yankee Doodle Dandy, but not so much with Dolly. Go figure!
Still though, you're here, discussing movies. That's A-Ok in my book.
SGG
Quote:
Originally posted by AFRICOAT:
I'm no film pundit but I found both Argo and Lincoln extemely boring, to a point where I fell asleep during the movie. Maybe it had to do with knowing the events that took place beforehand
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Hey there EC,
A funny thing. I got an e-mail alert, from your last post, on my phone and read your comments with great joy (I admire your candor), but, for some reason, when I went to my computer, I couldn't find it within this thread. Strange!
Anyway, just wanted to drop a note that I will respond either later tonight or tomorrow (Oscar Sunday). I'm like a little kid in a candy store, I know it's extremely political, but I can't help myself. Been watching since I was a kid (I get that it's redundant for me to say that though, lol).
Lots to say, but I'm eating right now. Talk to you later.
SGG
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The reason you couldn't find it here is because my last response to you was in the "Your Oscar Picks" thread.
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You know Sleepy, with that scene on the tarmac, I wonder if Affleck chose to do that or was he given a "note." Would love to pick his brain on his choices, but then, I don't think he would go "full disclosure" and give away his secrets.
My meaning is this - it's a movie about faking a movie to do the Great Escape. Was it a comment on making movies? Wow, I just got chills!
For me I would have preferred ending with the guards getting stuck at the gates, there was still significant drama while leaving Iran airspace. But that's me. I heard someone say on TV that it was not authentic, just a bit of Hollywood.
I kind of understand your take on Joss and Star Wars (crossing the streams....bad!). I remember the wimsy in the original three, which was seriously lacking in the prequels, Joss would take it to parts unknown and unfamiliar to the core of the fans (and I couldn't bear Joss being hated and losing his momentum, there's too much at stake). So I think I understand. Having said that, then my choice would be Joe Johnston (I absolutely love his Rocketeer). Do you think Affleck would take it on were he asked? I'm not sure, I don't see him as a sci-fi guy. Truth be told, I could see him as a Han Solo-type character though.
SGG
Quote:
Originally posted by THESOMNAMBULIST:
Originally posted by SHINYGOODGUY:Quote:
(until the chase on the tarmac where, I felt Hollywood's "hand." Probably for dramatic effect).
Yes this was the only point where I did find myself wanting to check this out too for authenticity. However given the outlandishness of the 'real' events I sort of could believe it.Quote:
Abrams, on the other hand, does lean more toward style, although he does have an interesting approach to storytelling. Star Trek was half good, but he relied heavily on style. I liked it, but was not Wow'd. I believe he has great potential, but he's still searching for his approach, whereas Affleck already knows.
Totally agree!Quote:
Then there's Joss. I think he would make a great director for the next chapters. Of course my all-time favorite is Irvin Kershner.
Joss would be great, and the best writer for the job too, but there's a part of me that doesn't want him becoming involved in Star Wars. It's like crossing the streams. You don't cross the streams! :D
Kershner R.I.P.
°...Well here I am.°
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Well it won Best Picture, not that I care about that, but I guess I chose wisely by watching it last night. It is the only one of this year's nominees that I have seen, so I'll have to wait until later to say if it deserved it. While good, I wouldn't say it is a great film, but it was entertaining.
Affleck may be a great director one day, but it's too soon to tell. He's only directed one film in which he did not act, Gone Baby Gone, and that one was just okay, fairly predictable. I've always wondered about actor/directors. They must have a very good assistant director to help out or else things could get overwhelming for them.
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