‘Argo’ Fact vs. Fiction: The CIA Weighs In

Last week marked the 35th anniversary of the start of the Iran hostage crisis, perhaps best known to some moviegoers as “the thing that happens in Argo.” But while learning history by watching Hollywood thrillers may be enjoyable, it’s not really the best way to get an accurate account of events. So the CIA has taken the occasion to fact-check Ben Affleck‘s 2013 Best Picture winner via Twitter.

Some of their reveals may not surprise you (shocker: the Hollywood version is more dramatic) but overall it’s interesting to see how reality stacks up against fiction. Hit the jump to find out “what’s ‘reel’ vs. ‘real,’” as the CIA puts it.

It seems a safe bet that the “Canadian Caper,” as the rescue operation was dubbed, was plenty dramatic in real life. How could it not be? Nevertheless, it seems Affleck and his Argo team messed with some of the details to make the whole thing even more thrilling.

For one thing, it was never really just Tony Mendez against the world.

Reel #Argo: Only one CIA officer goes to Tehran to help exfiltrate the six American diplomats. pic.twitter.com/iFEcrBzlyb

— CIA (@CIA) November 7, 2014

Real #Argo: Two CIA officers with notable forgery and exfiltration skills used their talents & knowledge to get the six out of Iran safely.

— CIA (@CIA) November 7, 2014

Nor did the CIA pull the plug on the operation at the last minute.

Reel #Argo: The mission is called off the night before they are scheduled to depart. pic.twitter.com/j4h0at57Sq

— CIA (@CIA) November 7, 2014

Real #Argo: Carter gave approval prior to the CIA team flying to Tehran, Iran. The details were approved by policymakers in Ottawa and DC.

— CIA (@CIA) November 7, 2014

Real #Argo: The night before the exfiltration the team received final approval; last line in that approval: “See you later, exfiltrator.”

— CIA (@CIA) November 7, 2014

(You also don’t get a sense of how adorable the CIA’s sense of humor is, because no one in Argo says things like ”See you later, exfiltrator.”)

That scene where Mendez and the diplomats head out to “scout locations”? Never happened.

Reel #Argo: The CIA officer and the six diplomats go into town to scout locations. pic.twitter.com/2gx2sHjPBO

— CIA (@CIA) November 7, 2014

Real #Argo: They never went to the marketplace to scout a location. The six hid in the Canadian’s homes for 79 days. pic.twitter.com/szTgt9stvb

— CIA (@CIA) November 7, 2014

Nor did most of the problems depicted in the nail-biting climax of the film.

Reel #Argo: Airline tickets are not waiting at the counter and have to be rechecked before the tickets are authorized and confirmed.

— CIA (@CIA) November 7, 2014

Real #Argo: The Canadians had already purchased the tickets for the Americans. There were no issues at the counter nor the checkpoints.

— CIA (@CIA) November 7, 2014

Reel #Argo: The Americans are detained at the airport by security guards & a call is made back to “Studio Six” to verify their identity.

— CIA (@CIA) November 7, 2014

Real #Argo: It didn’t happen. An early flight was picked so airline officials would be sleepy & Revolutionary Guards would still be in bed.

— CIA (@CIA) November 7, 2014

Real #Argo: There was an hour long mechanical delay, other than that the escape could not have gone better. #nochase pic.twitter.com/a0TnVeBgBt

— CIA (@CIA) November 7, 2014

However, Argo did get one big moment right.

Reel #Argo: The plane clears Iranian air space and the Americans cheer and celebrate.

— CIA (@CIA) November 7, 2014

Real #Argo: That happened; there was even a round of celebratory Bloody Marys. #ThankYouCanada

— CIA (@CIA) November 7, 2014

Well, for the most part. I don’t remember any Bloody Marys in Argo, though I’m sure you’ll set me straight if I’m wrong.

And most importantly…

Real #Argo: All involved in the operation were innovative, brave, & creative. Thank you @BenAffleck for making a film that reflects this.

— CIA (@CIA) November 7, 2014

Real #ARGO: An exciting movie that it kept us on the edge of our seats. Letting @BenAffleck film here? Best bad idea we’ve had. #ThanksBen!

— CIA (@CIA) November 7, 2014

There are a few more minor details you can read about at the CIA Twitter account, or you can get the full firsthand account from Mendez himself on the CIA website. Between this, Mark Zuckerberg’s criticism of The Social Network, and Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s nitpicks about Interstellar, the real lesson is clear: Don’t believe everything you see in the movies.