"Based On A True Story"
Argo (2012): Drama From Former Classified Information
Argo is a 2012 film classified under the genre of "biography, drama, history" according to IMDb.com. It won the Best Picture Award from the Academy Awards, AFI Awards, British Academy Film Awards, and the Golden Globes, among others. The film is an adaptation of a memoir from Tony Mendez and an article written by Joshua Bearman detailing Mendez's mission in Iranian.
A brief summary of the film according to IMDb.com: "Acting under the cover of a Hollywood producer scouting a location for a science fiction film, a CIA agent launches a dangerous operation to rescue six Americans in Tehran during the U.S. hostage crisis in Iran in 1980." (Source) The trailer, located to the right, advertises the film as "Based on a True Story." Going back to our definitions once again, this means that what we, the audience of Argo, witness is dramatized history. So here are the facts vs. the fiction of the film. Once again, Warning! Spoilers! |
The Trailer for Argo
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Fiction
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Fact
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The Bottom Line
Argo makes no significant changes to the history of the "Canadian Caper" when it comes to chronological order.
Former CIA Agent Tony Mendez's interviews and recollections (linked to above) reveal that all that is changed are embellishments for plot, for dramatic effect.
There is a few removal of characters but that is potentially due to the anonymity of the "Julio" agent and the complexity of setting up the Canadians immense involvement. But that is disputed.
Bottom line, Argo is indeed "Based on a True Story." You might be okay by viewing this film as history, albeit skewed history from one side as seen from the criticisms from Canadians (and some Iranians).
Former CIA Agent Tony Mendez's interviews and recollections (linked to above) reveal that all that is changed are embellishments for plot, for dramatic effect.
There is a few removal of characters but that is potentially due to the anonymity of the "Julio" agent and the complexity of setting up the Canadians immense involvement. But that is disputed.
Bottom line, Argo is indeed "Based on a True Story." You might be okay by viewing this film as history, albeit skewed history from one side as seen from the criticisms from Canadians (and some Iranians).