Argo: The True WIRED Story Behind Ben Affleck’s Oscar-Winning Movie

A few weeks ago, my sister Anne and I discussed a WIRED article by Joshuah Bearman about a Russian-born DEA agent who became one of the agency’s leading cryptocurrency investigators.

We felt like that story was a lock to become a movie. Now we’re discussing the Bearman article that actually did become a movie.

In 2007, Bearman published “How the CIA Used a Fake Sci-Fi Flick to Rescue Americans From Tehran.” Five years later, the story became Argo, directed by and starring Ben Affleck. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Here’s the premise of the article and film:

• November 1979: Iranian revolutionaries seize the American Embassy in Tehran.
• Six Americans escape and eventually find refuge with Canadian diplomats.
• The CIA needs a rescue plan that won’t attract attention.
• The solution: Create a fake Hollywood science-fiction movie and have the Americans pose as Canadian filmmakers scouting locations.

Anne and I read the article, watched Argo, and discussed both for this week’s Torg Stories Podcast. (we are an Amazon affiliate)

Listen to our conversation:

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Watch the podcast:

4 Things That Interested Me About the Article and Movie

1. The CIA’s fake movie including a real script.

CIA operative Tony Mendez worked with Hollywood professionals to make the cover story convincing.

They created:

• A fake production company.
• A science-fiction screenplay called Argo.
• Advertising and promotional materials.
• A production identity incorporating concept artwork originally created by legendary comic-book artist Jack Kirby for an unmade adaptation of Lord of Light.

2. Argo was an even better watch for me after reading the article.

Even knowing how the story ended, I found the film entertaining and suspenseful.

A few scenes stood out:

• The opening takeover of the embassy.
• The trip through the Tehran bazaar.
• The growing tension among the six Americans.
• The escape through the airport.

3. Hollywood changed some important details.

I wouldn’t be happy if I was President Jimmy Carter. He approved and never withdrew approval for the operation.

The real departure was much less theatrical. The film also heightened other moments of danger and conflict.

Reading Bearman’s reporting before watching the movie made me more aware of those choices.

How much does a movie owe the historical record when it’s based on a true story?

4. The Iranian Revolution is a story of its own.

Anne had recently finished Scott Anderson’s King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution, and I read the preface as part of our preparation. (we are an Amazon affiliate)

The book helped us place the rescue within the larger history.

One detail that interested me was how badly American intelligence underestimated the instability of the Shah’s government.

The hostage crisis was only one part of a revolution whose consequences continue to shape the world.

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From the Iranian Revolution to the Oscars: 8 Important Dates

1. January 16, 1979 — The Shah leaves Iran. His government is collapsing amid widespread protests.
2. February 11, 1979 — The Iranian monarchy falls. The revolution transforms the country.
3. November 4, 1979 — The American Embassy is seized. Six Americans escape and eventually take refuge with Canadian diplomats.
4. January 28, 1980 — The six Americans leave Iran. They use the CIA’s fake film-production cover.
5. January 20, 1981 — The remaining American hostages are released. The hostage crisis ends after 444 days.
6. April 2007 — WIRED publishes Bearman’s article. More than 27 years have passed since the rescue.
7. October 2012 — Argo arrives in theaters. Affleck directs and stars in the movie.
8. February 2013 — Argo wins the Academy Award for Best Picture.

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Ben Affleck Talks About Making Argo

I also watched a 2012 interview with Affleck conducted by David Poland for his DP/30 series. I learned he had the actors live together for a week before filming with a house loaded up with 1970s stuff. There were over 1000 extras in the riot scenes.

Watch the Ben Affleck interview with David Poland.

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Read and Watch Along

1. Joshuah Bearman’s original WIRED article — The true story behind Argo.
2. Argo (2012) — Directed by and starring Ben Affleck.
3. King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution — Scott Anderson’s history of the revolution.
4. Ben Affleck’s DP/30 interview — David Poland talks with Affleck about the movie.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy a book through an Amazon link in this post, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Coming Next on Torg Stories

Next week, we’re discussing two short films:

1. Missed Connections — A short film by Izzy Torgerson. Izzy plans to join next week’s episode!
2. Other Side of the Box — A short horror film.

Thanks for reading and listening!