"Mauritanian": a film about a strong man, which is worth watching for everyone

The plot of the film tells about the life of Mohammed Ould-Slahi. The US government has been holding him in custody for many years: he is being prosecuted as a suspect in organizing the 9/11 terrorist attack. To defend Mohammed, attorney Nancy Hollander and her colleague Teri Duncan undertake. On the side of the state is Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Coach, who is trying to get the death penalty for Mohammed.

This story deserves to be seen. And that's why.

The film is based on real events

Mohammed Ould-Slahi was born and raised in Mauritania and received a grant to study in Germany. After working for a couple of years in a foreign country, he returned to his homeland. A year later, by order of the United States, he was detained by the Mauritanian authorities. First, Mohammed served time there, then in Afghanistan, and in 2002 he was taken to Guantanamo prison in Cuba.

The absurdity of the situation is that Mohammed was not charged either before his arrest or while serving his sentence. However, this did not prevent the authorities from holding him and interrogating him harshly using “special” methods.

But the guy was lucky: his case went to the wayward lawyer Nancy Hollander. She decides to defend the detainee's right to a fair trial. This moment is the plot of the whole film.

Such a story does not seem entirely plausible. It is hard to imagine that in the 21st century in developed countries, flagrantly illegal actions at the state level are possible.

However, the events described above happened in reality. This awareness provides a special viewing experience. The viewer understands: in the place of a prisoner - an ordinary person, the same as himself. That is why empathy grows at times.

Strong cast and charismatic characters

Mohammed was played by Tahar Rahim. After learning the story of his prototype and getting to know him, the actor was moved by Director Kevin Macdonald On The Real ‑ Life Inspiration For ‘The Mauritanian’: “He’s Such An Extraordinary Person” - Contenders Film. This is probably why he was able to show the whole gamut of complex feelings and emotions that Mohammed experienced. For this role, Tahar Rahim received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Film.

It is noteworthy that before that, Tahar Rahim had already played in the film about the tragedy of September 11 - "Ghost Towers". However, there he played the role of one of the representatives of the law.

Jodie Foster played the role of lawyer Nancy Hollander. Foster's energy strikes the viewer from the first shots, because her character is a bright, strong and fair woman who is ready to go against the system. However, in the course of the action, she opens up, showing her sensitive side.

Nancy's assistant is played by Shailene Woodley, the star of the Divergent series and Big Little Lies. Her character, Teri, is a compilation of two HRD assistants on the case. Teri is a warm woman who perceives the accused primarily as a person, and not as material for work. She is in stark contrast to her colleague, which makes the Foster-Woodley duo look even more spectacular.

The role of Lieutenant Colonel Stewart went to Benedict Cumberbatch. And this is the most controversial character. Throughout the film, he goes through strong metamorphoses, which causes conflicting impressions of the viewer. By the way, at first the actor took part in the project only as a producer. But in the process, he was Kevin Macdonald Interview: The Mauritanian fascinated by Stewart's character and therefore wanted to play him.

Lively and dynamic storytelling

Throughout the film, we see many flashbacks that tell about the life of Mohammed before he met with lawyers. From some fragments, the viewer learns about the childhood and youth of the character, from others - about the events in prison. After each new insert, the character of Mohammed is revealed, it becomes deeper. And his story becomes clear and takes on new meaning. So, in the course of the action, we change our attitude towards the hero more than once.

But it's not just a specific type of storytelling that influences audience opinion. In parallel with flashbacks, we are watching the investigation led by the prosecution and defense. Each has its own sources and hypotheses.

And the viewer, like a jury in court, is trying to understand whose side is the truth.

We've already seen a similar game in David Fincher's Gone Girl. Each memory and new detail there changes the perspective from which the audience looks at the situation. The "Mauritanian" evokes similar feelings.

The dynamics of the film is also added by the fact that the creators were able to mix several genres. Here thriller and drama are combined with a detective story - we learn the outcome of the investigation only at the very end. There are also exceptionally comic moments that are harmoniously inscribed in the artistic world of the picture.

Aesthetic shots

"The Mauritanian" is very beautifully filmed. For the most part, the scenes are set in a minimalist way, there is nothing superfluous in the frame. However, this does not make the picture look primitive. On the contrary, such simplicity is catchy.

And even when viewing, you can see how the color scheme of the frames affects the mood. For example, the scenes of Mohammed's walks in Guantanamo are very sunny. The viewer, together with the character, is happy that there is still something bright and real in his life. And in the episode where the hero of Benedict Cumberbatch suspects a conspiracy, a house is seen flooded with blood-red light.

The reason for such a skillful visual design is clear: real masters of their craft worked on the film.

Teamed up with McDonald was production designer Michael Carlin, Oscar nominee. Colleagues have already created together the films "The Last King of Scotland", "Oasis" and others. The list of Karlin's works includes many sensational films: from "Lying Down in Bruges" to the hit "A Dog's Life".

Experienced Alvin H. Kühler was the operator. Prior to that, he collaborated with McDonald on the Oscar-winning film Once in September. In the filmography of Kühler, you can find many famous films: "Steve Jobs", "Inferno", "Good morning" and not only.

The only drawback of the visual design (and of the film as a whole) is that some of the shots are too "sterile". For example, we are shown a holiday in Mauritania, and brand new flip-flops and crystal-clear glasses fall into the lens. These details do not match the surroundings and cause some discomfort.

But this does not overshadow the merits of the picture and does not prevent the viewer from receiving real aesthetic pleasure.

National element

Kevin McDonald sought to make the film as authentic as possible, close to the real story. Events are taking place in several locations around the world. We see bright festivities in Mauritania, then - the metropolis in the United States, the desert landscapes of Cuba and military exercises in Afghanistan. Although the filming took place not in all of these countries, the director managed to convey their flavor. Also, throughout the whole picture, several languages are heard: French, English, Arabic. This ethnic and geographic diversity makes the film's footage even more textured.

The viewer travels through time and space with the characters. Such changes of surroundings are perfectly inscribed in the narrative and look very believable.

Inspirational story with a poignant social background

The plot prompts heavy thoughts about a person's defenselessness in front of the system. The US government was so eager to punish someone involved in the September 11 tragedy that it itself chose almost terrorist, illegal methods of "restoring justice." It turns out that those who are called to defend the law violate it - and this is depressing.

But the story of Mohammed's life does not depress the audience. On the contrary: it inspires, as it instills faith in the strength of the spirit. The film makes it clear that you can remain human even in inhuman conditions. Indeed, serving time and being subjected to violence, Mohammed still finds the strength to learn new things, joke, build friendships and not lose faith in God.

What is most shocking is that Ould-Slahi, while in prison, was able to publish the book The Diary of Guantanamo. It came from the letters of testimony that the prisoner gave to the lawyers: it was their way of communicating. Nancy Hollander was touched by the story of the ward, and she advised Mohammed to tell it to the whole world.

Nancy's courage is also inspiring here, ready to sacrifice her peace of mind for the sake of justice. And also the dedication of her colleague, who decisively takes the side of the defendant.

At first glance, it is clear that "The Mauritanian" was created by the masters of cinema. The plot, visuals and acting are truly commendable. And the story of the main character makes you wonder. She reminds: a difficult trial may fall in life, but this is not a reason to despair and be embittered. On the contrary, it is in such circumstances that it is important to find the strength to forgive.