Welcome to my very first film review. Sleep easy Barry Norman.
In the wake of its Oscar win and many rave reviews, the Shah and I took ourselves off to see Argo the other night. Not for us the local chain cinema flea pit with its revolting pick 'n mix that a thousand snotty fingers have pawed and its vom-inducing nachos adorned with a slick of greasy yellow slime. Oh no - not for us the multi-screen behemoth with its tacky carpets, chavvy clientèle and the car park that saw a drive-by shooting not that long ago,- oho no m'lud. We took out a small extra mortgage and sallied forth to our local Everyman Cinema which is nowadays adorned with comfortable sofas and dinky little tables on which to rest your over-priced Chablis, darling.
But to the film. I have to admit that Ben Affleck with slightly long hair and a full beard is surprisingly gorj which was an added bonus as the rest of the cast were very convincingly attired in proper 70s over-sized spectacles, frizzy perms and what the Shah likes to call "fuck off collars". These are so named because they are so ludicrous you take one look at them and go ...you fill in the blanks.
I'm not going to re-hash the plot here, (yes I know I said it was a film review but whatever) save to say that the film concerns the fate of six American citizens who managed to slip away from the US Embassy in Tehran when it was stormed by militants and then had to be got out of Iran pdq. It also details the preposterous plot that was cooked up by Hollywood to effect that rescue.
I wasn't expecting to be enthralled but I was. I wasn't expecting it to be edge-of-the-seat gripping, but it was. Modern day footage was very cleverly inter-cut with newsreel of the time in pivotal scenes, such as enraged Iranian militants chanting and protesting outside the embassy building and it brought back many memories of those days and of how, being so young (ahem) I was pretty disinterested in all that stuff going on, on the other side of the world. It seems extraordinary to me now that I couldn't have cared less - but I guess that was then and this is now and I have a good many more years on the clock in 2013.
Most of all, I wasn't expecting the film to be laugh aloud funny but, surprisingly, it was - in many places. There has, of course, been a lot of online debate about its historical accuracy, yaddah, yaddah, yaddah - I'm not getting into that - I enjoyed it. The end. So, here's a trailer, featuring a good deal of the lovely Ben and to quote one of the running jokes in the film - Argo and see it!
In the wake of its Oscar win and many rave reviews, the Shah and I took ourselves off to see Argo the other night. Not for us the local chain cinema flea pit with its revolting pick 'n mix that a thousand snotty fingers have pawed and its vom-inducing nachos adorned with a slick of greasy yellow slime. Oh no - not for us the multi-screen behemoth with its tacky carpets, chavvy clientèle and the car park that saw a drive-by shooting not that long ago,- oho no m'lud. We took out a small extra mortgage and sallied forth to our local Everyman Cinema which is nowadays adorned with comfortable sofas and dinky little tables on which to rest your over-priced Chablis, darling.
But to the film. I have to admit that Ben Affleck with slightly long hair and a full beard is surprisingly gorj which was an added bonus as the rest of the cast were very convincingly attired in proper 70s over-sized spectacles, frizzy perms and what the Shah likes to call "fuck off collars". These are so named because they are so ludicrous you take one look at them and go ...you fill in the blanks.
I'm not going to re-hash the plot here, (yes I know I said it was a film review but whatever) save to say that the film concerns the fate of six American citizens who managed to slip away from the US Embassy in Tehran when it was stormed by militants and then had to be got out of Iran pdq. It also details the preposterous plot that was cooked up by Hollywood to effect that rescue.
I wasn't expecting to be enthralled but I was. I wasn't expecting it to be edge-of-the-seat gripping, but it was. Modern day footage was very cleverly inter-cut with newsreel of the time in pivotal scenes, such as enraged Iranian militants chanting and protesting outside the embassy building and it brought back many memories of those days and of how, being so young (ahem) I was pretty disinterested in all that stuff going on, on the other side of the world. It seems extraordinary to me now that I couldn't have cared less - but I guess that was then and this is now and I have a good many more years on the clock in 2013.
Most of all, I wasn't expecting the film to be laugh aloud funny but, surprisingly, it was - in many places. There has, of course, been a lot of online debate about its historical accuracy, yaddah, yaddah, yaddah - I'm not getting into that - I enjoyed it. The end. So, here's a trailer, featuring a good deal of the lovely Ben and to quote one of the running jokes in the film - Argo and see it!
Sounds like one to go and see, we're due a night out for 2 and we have a very similar cinema round these parts too - I'll phone ahead and order the wine! Thanks Curry Queen
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome Jay....at least you can always gaze at Ben even if you don't like the film!!
ReplyDeleteOOOh I am over excited that I got to read your blog!!!! you are usually not allowed by my blog filter. Myself and Mr Adventures/auntiegwen watched that last weekend, we loved it
ReplyDeleteBless you, AG. butbarevwe not both on Blogger? How strange that it should block me. Maybe you have a filter which says "block sweary, ranty, arsey women". Glad you liked it too!
DeleteOh cool, one to add to our DVD-watching list.
ReplyDeleteWe don't go to the cinema for all the reasons you mention, but did go to watch Skyfall in English recently which meant that the cinema was half empty and had no annoying brats. :)
They've rushed the DVD out sharpish, probably to capitalise on the Oscar bounce. Cheaper than going to the cinema too!
DeleteWhat a cool theatre. We have a similar one in Oakland but its very much Mums and screaming kids during the day and its a bit run down. No chablis - except in flasks. Love that cinema in Notting Hill which is similarly civilised. I liked Argo and how it was controlled doco style with great acting but din't LOVE it. I didn't think it was best picture material and think it got that because it made a hero out of Hollywood. Hollywood to the rescue. I was a bit concerned how Persians came off looking too, was not a good or fair depiction of that culture with only the maid seeming to be humane.
ReplyDeleteTake your point - but then Hollywood has a habit of re-writing history doesn't it? I understand that Iran is thinking of sueing the producers for misrepresenting them and the Canadians and the Brits are somewhat pissed off with their portrayal too....
DeleteI really loved Beasts of the Southern WIld, totally different from Argo - apples and oranges, sorry hate that expression - but totally original, disturbing and thought provoking about what it is to be a parent and a child and even if your life is one that others think needs mending, it's still yours and you are home.
DeleteWe have a tiny cinema with couches etc., here too and it is so much nicer than the multi this'n'that place.....I think I might watch this soon...the reports are all good.
ReplyDeleteIt is good Libby, despite the controversy it has provoked. I should buy the DVD. It's a lot cheaper than a trip to sofa city and you can watch the film more than once!
DeleteFantastic film, loved the 70's Hollywood types. And the clothes were something to behold...
ReplyDeleteOf course, a stripling such as yourself, Mr AG wouldn't remember the 70's would he?!
DeleteBarry and the Winklewoman should be very worried.
ReplyDeleteFuck off collars. Your man has a way with words too.
Not seen the film, not seen any films lately. Really must go to the cinema again.
As long as you can get past the 'Hollywood-saves-the-world' angle, it's a very gripping film.
ReplyDeleteOoh I didn't know about Cinemas like that but I did know that Ben Affleck is gorj, so am not a complete loser. I will pay special attention when this is on - it sounds fun and interesting! I will drink Chablis so that it's like you're there!
ReplyDelete