Ben Affleck: 5 Awesome Performances And 5 That Sucked

2. Tony Mendez - Argo

Remember what I said about sensationalism with The Town? Well with Argo Affleck isn't quite as restrained, especially in its third act where convenience gets in the way of reality. But it works because what the director brings in addition is a real grasp of building tension, balancing historical authenticity with making a great film. However, while Argo is certainly a more spectacular film than his previous examples, he maintains that previous subtlety within his own performance. Once again the lead, he's Tony Mendez, the CIA operative behind the Canadian Caper - a daring rescue of US Embassy personnel from Tehran during the Iranian Revolution by masquerading as location scouts for a cheap Star Wars rip-off. For decades a classified operation that left Mendez an unsung hero, this is expertly reflected in his hunched demeanor and the similar struggle he has with connecting with his son. In fact, while as a period thriller Argo is enticing, it's the character's emotional arc that really sells it. Affleck's Mendez grounds the political and filmmaking swipes, making it all feel incredibly personal.