Shaggy Ben Aflleck in the First Official Image from 'Argo'

Wednesday, 28 December 2011 13:53 Written by Jordan DeSaulnier

Add new comment

Rate this item

(0 votes)

Shaggy Ben Aflleck in the First Official Image from 'Argo'

If I had told you, in the summer of 2004, that within eight years, Ben Affleck would be a successful director with two formidable feature films under his belt, you'd probably punch me right in the solar plexus then laugh your ass off. But here we are, and based on his directorial track record, Affleck's third effort as director seems likely to be a highlight of 2012. As part of a preview for the year ahead, Warner Bros has released the first official image from Argo, which Affleck both directs and stars in as part of a pretty ridiculous ensemble. We've previously seen some unofficial photos from the Los Angeles set, but read on for your first bona-fide look Argo, with Affleck very seriously perusing some documents.

The film is based on a true but little-known story that played out in the midst of the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979-1981. Basically, in order to rescue six Americans in hiding under the auspices of the Canadian Ambassador, a CIA team invented a fictitious Hollywood film production and posed as location scouts, gaining access to the country and retrieving the Americans.

Apparently the film will involve a good amount of dark humor, which makes sense, given just how strange the plan involved actually was. Between Gone Baby Gone and The Town, Affleck has proven to be a capable director, and it will be interesting to see him venture away from his native Boston, where both his previous films took place.

The aforementioned ensemble cast is led by Affleck, but includes ringers like Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston, Kyle Chandler, Adrienne Barbou, John Goodman, Kerry Bishe, Rory Cochran, Clea DuVall, and Michael Parks.

Argo is currently scheduled to hit theaters on September 14, 2012.