The Mauritanian (Amazon Prime)

 

The Mauritanian (Amazon Prime)

This film is a show case for the talents of Tahar Rahim who plays Mohammedou Ould Salahi. Salahi was detained at Guantanamo Bay for fourteen years with out charges and released. He subsequently wrote a book of his experience which is the basis of the film.

Essentially this is a four actor film: Tahar Rahim as Salahi, Jody Foster as Nancy Hollander, Benedict Cumberbatch as Lt. Colonel Stuart Couch and Shailene  Woodley as Teri Duncan. Rahim’s character displays a range of powerful emotions resulting from his captivity. Salahi is subjected to isolation, fear and terror. In these terrible circumstances there are scenes of claim and acceptance from the long confinement. He even manages to make friends with a fellow detainee which he never meets. He conveys the desperation of imprisonment and any little comfort is significant. The “Enhanced Interrogation” scenes  were horrendous and difficult to watch. I am sure they used a stunt double for some scenes but he did many himself. The emotional distress and mental break down were etched on his face. This is a demanding role.

Jody Foster is a multi-talented actor and director but her role as the lead defense lawyer Nancy Hollander was a bit one dimensional. She plays the hard as nails defense lawyer ready to fight. Most of  her screen time is in a secured room or on a plane limiting her performance. She does have good chemistry with Salahi after overcoming his initial distrust.

I think Benedict Cumberbatch is a brilliant actor but casting him as a southern prosecution lawyer with a pronounced drawl was amusing. Instead of a relaxed good old boy he came off like a stiff British colonel.  He played role well but someone like Mathew McConaughey would have been better suited.

Shailene  Woodley  character temporarily assists Nancy Hollander since she speaks French. When they first meet Salahi they were surprised he spoke English. When asked how he learned he said, “same as you, word by word’.

The film makes political statements but Rahim’s performance is reason enough to see the film.