In the film "Argo," directed by Ben Affleck, the importance of narrative is not only central to the plot but

also underscores the power stories have in how they release information in a calculated way to ensure their
strong messages. "Argo" tells the gripping story of the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis, where CIA operative Tony
Mendez arranges a plan to rescue the six American diplomats trapped in Tehran by posing as a Canadian
film crew. Firstly, the calculated release of information in "Argo" builds suspense and keeps the audience
engaged by strategically revealing critical details at pivotal moments, enhancing the film's tension and
drama. Moreover, by gradually unveiling the backgrounds and motivations of key characters, Affleck
ensures that viewers become emotionally invested in their fates, deepening the narrative's emotional
impact. Finally, the film carefully balances historical accuracy with dramatic storytelling, selectively omitting
and highlighting information to create a narrative that is both truthful and captivating, reflecting the
complexities of the real-life events. Hence, the gradual revelation of character backstories and motivations
fosters a deeper emotional connection with the audience.
The calculated release of information in storytelling is a powerful tool that shapes and manipulates the
audience’s perception of events and people. In the film, the power of narrative is central to both the plot
and the film’s impact on viewers. This meta-narrative, involving the creation of a believable film script and
Hollywood's involvement, underscores how fiction can profoundly influence real-world outcomes. Affleck’s
strategic use of archival footage at the beginning of the film, a wide angle is used to show Iranians
protesting, this is juxtaposed against the diegetic sound of the Iranians chanting ‘death to America.’ This
immediately establishes a narrative around the Iranians as barbaric and violent. By presenting the Iranians
as part of a destabilised and threatening environment, the film evokes fear and apprehension in the
viewers, potentially reinforcing stereotypes and bias. The contrast between the portrayal of the Iranians
and the Americans is further highlighted in the scene Inside the embassy whereby close-up shots capture
the Americans' anxious and fearful expressions is compounded against the dark, heavy shadows which
create a foreboding atmosphere. This juxtaposition serves to depict the Americans as rational and civilized
individuals caught in a perilous situation, in stark contrast to the menacing portrayal of the Iranians.
Affleck’s deliberate narrative choices thus influence the audience’s judgment, shaping their perceptions in a
way that aligns with the film's intended message.
Divulging motivations and backgrounds of key characters within a story causes the viewers to become
emotionally invested in their fates. Throughout "Argo," Affleck employs a deliberate strategy of revealing
the personal stories and motivations of characters such as Tony Mendez, the CIA operative, and the
American hostages trapped in Tehran. The importance of the medium shot where Tony removes his
engagement ring and places it next to a photograph of his son reveals the personal risks he is taking to save
the hostages. Despite the risks, Tony is motivated by the desire to reunite the trapped individuals with their
loved ones, mirroring his own longing for his family. Mendez's expertise and personal stakes are gradually
revealed, showing his dedication to the risky mission and his struggle to balance his professional duties
with personal concerns. Ultimately, this scene serves to humanise Tony and emotionally invest the viewers.
Furthermore, the hostages' interactions with each other and their captors further flesh out their characters,
highlighting their resilience and vulnerability in the face of uncertainty. Affleck’s cleverly uses a close up
shot to zoom in on the distressed expression of the hostages and disclose their personal struggles to
further evoke a sense of sympathy from the viewers. This deliberate characterisation enhances the viewers'
emotional investment in the characters' fates. Affleck's careful pacing of these revelations builds suspense
and empathy, drawing viewers into the emotional core of the narrative. By humanising the characters
through their personal stories and motivations, he underscores the universal themes of courage, sacrifice,
and hope amidst adversity. Affleck's meticulous portrayal of characters and their personal journeys not only
deepens the film's emotional impact but also underscores the significance of storytelling in fostering
empathy and understanding.
The film carefully balances historical accuracy with dramatic storytelling, selectively omitting and
highlighting information to create a narrative that is both truthful and captivating, reflecting the
complexities of the real-life events. In "Argo," Affleck navigates the challenge of depicting historical events
while also exploring the theme of dehumanisation and humanisation amidst political turmoil. Affleck's
directorial choice of using close up shots when the hostages collectively try to come up with a plan
illustrates their courage and hope. The certain moments of solidarity and quiet bravery among the
hostages, illustrate their resilience in the face of dehumanising conditions, ultimately highlighting their
journey from mere victims to empowered individuals reclaiming their freedom and humanity. Through
carefully constructed scenes depicting their camaraderie and strategic planning, Affleck portrays how their
collective resolve and ingenuity enable them to navigate perilous circumstances with courage and dignity.
However, through dialogue in various scene’s Affleck presents the Iranians without subtitles or extensive
personal backgrounds, which can contribute to their dehumanisation as mere obstacles or threats. He
purposely redacts this information in order to silence the Iranians and further dehumanise them. The film's
depiction of dehumanisation and subsequent humanisation underscores the resilience of the human spirit
in the face of adversity, resonating beyond the historical context of the Iran hostage crisis.