The Mauritanian (2021)
Country: GB/US
Technical: col/2.39:1/1.33:1 129m
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Cast: Tahar Rahim, Jodie Foster, Benedict Cumberbatch, Shailene Woodley
Synopsis:
Because of his past movements and associations, a Mauritanian is extradited and held in custody for fifteen years by the U.S. government without charge. The human rights lawyer representing him uncovers systemic abuse of privilege and implementation of 'enhanced' interrogation practices centred on Guantánamo Bay.
Review:
Hot from the press, following Mohamedou Slahi's book publication, Macdonald's film tracks the changing perception of his case through the eyes of both defending and prosecuting counsel, at the same time as the viewer gathers impressions of his intelligence, resilience and humanity by being cooped up with him for long periods. His evolving treatment by his custodians also mirrors this process. The result is a deliberately paced movie, with flashback sections in 4:3 featuring manipulated cinematic effects that subjectify the prisoner's experiences. It is a remarkable central performance, and closing footage of the real Slahi reveal an equally charismatic figure.
Country: GB/US
Technical: col/2.39:1/1.33:1 129m
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Cast: Tahar Rahim, Jodie Foster, Benedict Cumberbatch, Shailene Woodley
Synopsis:
Because of his past movements and associations, a Mauritanian is extradited and held in custody for fifteen years by the U.S. government without charge. The human rights lawyer representing him uncovers systemic abuse of privilege and implementation of 'enhanced' interrogation practices centred on Guantánamo Bay.
Review:
Hot from the press, following Mohamedou Slahi's book publication, Macdonald's film tracks the changing perception of his case through the eyes of both defending and prosecuting counsel, at the same time as the viewer gathers impressions of his intelligence, resilience and humanity by being cooped up with him for long periods. His evolving treatment by his custodians also mirrors this process. The result is a deliberately paced movie, with flashback sections in 4:3 featuring manipulated cinematic effects that subjectify the prisoner's experiences. It is a remarkable central performance, and closing footage of the real Slahi reveal an equally charismatic figure.
Country: GB/US
Technical: col/2.39:1/1.33:1 129m
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Cast: Tahar Rahim, Jodie Foster, Benedict Cumberbatch, Shailene Woodley
Synopsis:
Because of his past movements and associations, a Mauritanian is extradited and held in custody for fifteen years by the U.S. government without charge. The human rights lawyer representing him uncovers systemic abuse of privilege and implementation of 'enhanced' interrogation practices centred on Guantánamo Bay.
Review:
Hot from the press, following Mohamedou Slahi's book publication, Macdonald's film tracks the changing perception of his case through the eyes of both defending and prosecuting counsel, at the same time as the viewer gathers impressions of his intelligence, resilience and humanity by being cooped up with him for long periods. His evolving treatment by his custodians also mirrors this process. The result is a deliberately paced movie, with flashback sections in 4:3 featuring manipulated cinematic effects that subjectify the prisoner's experiences. It is a remarkable central performance, and closing footage of the real Slahi reveal an equally charismatic figure.