On Cinema of the Absurd with Argo

Mid way through Ben Affleck’s third film as director, John Goodman’s character refers to the Iranian rescue mission as theatre of the absurd. As dramatic comedy genres go, Argo is more farce than theatre of the absurd, but the reference is accepted. Farce is defined as a piece of work that ‘aims at entertaining the audience by means of unlikely, extravagant, and improbable situations…a fast-paced plot whose speed usually increases, culminating in an ending which often involves an elaborate chase scene.’ Argo fits the definition snugly.

Affleck has crafted a tense drama that swings between comedy, menace and tension with ease. The story, one almost too unbelievable to be true, is the film’s hook and while the ensemble cast is strong, the story is star. Affleck is continually maturing as a director and Argo is a mature thriller, choosing to take a balanced political standpoint rather than create a jingoistic American heroes story.  A gripping and fantastical film, Argo is well worth watching.