Movies at Macquarie-Argo Rated M

In 1979, six Americans escape after Iranian revolutionaries invade their embassy, taking refuge in the Canadian Ambassador’s residence. To rescue them, the CIA devises a daring plan: create a phony Canadian film project looking to shoot in Iran and smuggle the Americans out as its production crew. Tense and exhilarating, this unlikely story is based on real events during the Iranian Revolution.

Watch Argo and listen to Dr Lloyd Cox discuss the film in the context of the United States\ longer term historical role, interests and ambitions in the Middle East and Iran in particular.

Cox will discuss the ways in which the Iranian Revolution and hostage crises of 19791980 reverberate in contemporary politics and Hollywood depictions of the Islamic world. He will also give a brief critical appraisal of the film and its place in the genre of what we might call political-historical dramas.

For more information contact Leanne Wigmore on 9850 4110 or email leanne.wigmore@mq.edu.au.