In the almost two weeks that it's been since I saw "Argo" quite a few events have influenced my perspective on the film. First off, in all fairness, I must say that it was a well crafted and well acted film. I was genuinely surprised with how funny it was, probably because I wasn't really expecting to. That being said, when I saw the film, the attack on the consulate in Benghazi was ever-present in my mind. Similarities between the events in the movie and those in the news do exist, but only loosely. Where there is little difference between the movie and real life is the political wrangling which is central to both fictional accounts. "Argo" is a fictional account of a historic event, and it is becoming apparent that the Benghazi historical account was a fictional event. In "Argo" a mob descends upon the American embassy in Tehran. We clearly see that an organized element within the crowd, guiding and controlling the actions of the mob. In Benghazi there was no mob, except in the imaginations of those who should have known (or did know) the truth. I honestly didn't intend to stray off on this tangent, yet it seems almost impossible to avoid. I liked Ben Affleck's acting and directing, especially his decision to avoid being graphic yet always maintaining a shroud of danger. The plan detailed in this film; to rescue a group of citizens from hostile territory under the guise of making a fake movie was destined to be made into a film. Hey I sorta had this idea before it was declassified. Which was after it happened, but before anyone knew about it; but that's neither here nor there. I really enjoyed the ending where President Carter talks about freeing all the hostages; that is classic. One day, thirty years from now when they're making a movie about us, President Obama will get to make a similar speech about his victory in Benghazi.
