When it was announced that the Telluride Film Festival was including the Ben Affleck movie ‘Argo’ in its slate as a surprise screening, that was a sign to me that Warner Brothers was feeling confident about the film. Apparently, that’s the case and then some, as the first reviews are trickling out from Telluride and they’re by and large raves, often citing it as a potential Oscar player in numerous categories. Matt Singer over at Criticwire here (where you can also see me participate in the Critics Survey every Monday) has compiled a group of the reactions, showing just how well the flick has gone over. After the jump you can see some of the takes, but I know I’m even more excited for ‘Argo’. Read on below for more…
Here’s some of the reactions:
Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter:
“[The audience gave] it a 30-second sustained ovation. They also separately applauded when Affleck’s credit appeared — he not only directed but also stars in the film — and also when the names of Oscar-winner Alan Arkin and John Goodman, who play key supporting characters in the film, flashed on the screen.”
Eric Kohn, Indiewire:
“Equally a slick political thriller, intelligent period piece and sly Hollywood satire, Ben Affleck’s ‘Argo’ maintains a careful balance between commentary and entertainment value.”
Rodrigo Perez, The Playlist:
“Extraordinarily suspenseful, extremely well-told and effortless in its complex tonal balance, the Telluride Film Festival couldn’t have asked for a better opener; a captivating and thoughtful true-life drama that boasts a story so astonishing, it could only be told in the movies.”
Anne Thompson, Thompson on Hollywood:
“The buzz was building on this taut and commercial thriller, which Affleck directs with screw-tightening efficiency that would make Michael Mann proud. Multiple Oscar nominations are in order as this movie surges to the top of the current Oscar contenders list.”
Jeffrey Wells, Hollywood Elsewhere:
“Somebody tweeted ‘instant Best Picture contender!’ after it was over. Really? Brilliantly suspenseful as the last act is, ‘Argo,’ boiled down, is just a clever, well-jiggered caper film. Hats off but why does it have to be a Best Picture contender? A story well told and highly suspenseful, for sure, but there’s no thematic undertow, no metaphor tug — nothing more than “this is what really happened, and wasn’t it cool that the CIA pulled this off?” Yes, it was cool… but Best Picture contenders are about common chords and universality and shared emotional discovery, and that is not what ‘Argo’ is up to.”
-Thoughts? Discuss in the comments!
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14 Comments












Waiting for more reviews and reactions…
genadijus(Quote) (Reply)
Sounds like Arkin and Goodman may have some serious vote-splitting problems in the near future. Too bad about Cranston not getting much notice. I really thought he had it for this film. Definitely think ‘Argo’ will get the Best Pic nom, but I don’t know how it can sustain itself when contenders like Life of Pi, Les Miserables, and Lincoln all release afterwards. Looking forward to it, though. Got a sneaking suspicion Affleck’s made a film I’ll finally enjoy without any major qualms.
Joseph Braverman(Quote) (Reply)
Nice.
Rohit Ramachandran(Quote) (Reply)
Genadijus- There are others if you follow the link, I was just giving a small sampling.
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
Joseph- Indeed, though if the Oscars were held today it seems like a top choice, so that’s very intriguing.
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
Rohit- Agreed…
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
Joseph Braverman, what exactly did you think Cranston “had”? He has enough- the first movie this year that he won’t have to be embarrassed about.
One doesn’t get 3 Emmys in a row, maybe a fourth, and then an Oscar. Karma just doesn’t work that way.
MJ(Quote) (Reply)
Woah… there is another MJ out there? Who’d have known?
It is always exciting news to see a film we all hoped would do well finally being seen and met warmly. Looking forward to seeing this and The Master in the next two months!
Mark Johnson(Quote) (Reply)
Seems like a winner.
Jessie Makowski(Quote) (Reply)
MJ- Fair enough.
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
Mark- For sure…
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
Jessie- Indeed…
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)
I love Ben Affleck the actor and I love Ben Affleck as the director even more. I can not WAIT to see ARGO. The Town was my favorite film in the last ten years. It should have won the Oscar.
Merle(Quote) (Reply)
I’m a fan of his acting and directing as well. I’d have loved to have seen The Town get more nominations than it did…
Joey Magidson(Quote) (Reply)