The Mauritanian Review: A Frustrating But Compelling Legal-Drama Anchored By Strong Performances
- naterichard98
- Mar 5, 2021
- 2 min read
DIRECTED BY: KEVIN MACDONALD
STARRING: TAHAR RAHIM, JODIE FOSTER, & BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH
RATED R FOR VIOLENCE INCLUDING A SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND LANGUAGE
LENGTH: 129 MINUTES
There's a well-known saying that all art is inherently political; whether that's true or not is the subject of countless think-pieces and editorials, but there's no denying that there are plenty of pieces of art that are indeed political. Kevin Macdonald's legal drama The Mauritanian is no exception, the film co-stars Jodie Foster and Shailene Woodley, who are both no strangers to politics and analyzes the US's supposed 'war on terror' from the eyes of an inmate in Guantanamo Bay.
The Mauritanian tells the true story of Mohamedou Ould Salahi (Tahar Rahim), a Mauritanian man who was detained and imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay without charge. The only shred of evidence the US government had on Ould Salahi was his 'connections' to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. He soon himself allies in defense attorney Nancy Hollander (Foster) and her associate Teri Duncan (Woodley), who seek to free Ould Salahi and prove his innocence.
The Mauritanian has the material to be a hard-hitting legal drama and the true story itself is absolutely devastating and infuriating. This had the makings to be one of the most memorable and impactful movies of this awards season. The first act of the film is engrossing and captivating, but the more the film trudges along the more uneven it becomes until it ultimately becomes a bit of a confused mess. That's not to say this film isn't worth watching, but some of Macdonald's directing choices feel a little more than questionable. The transitions between scenes can often feel awkward and become distracting, especially amidst the film's slower pacing.
Rahim gives quite the performance as Ould Salahi, while he's currently not well-known with the western audience his work here deserves a lot of recognition. Rahim plays the role with charisma and makes it easy for audiences to connect with him, he shines every time he's on screen. Foster turns in some of her best work in years as Hollander, her performance never once feels showy but rather portrayed with natural sensibilities. For as talented of an actor as Benedict Cumberbatch is, his casting raises more than a few question as he bumbles through the film carrying a strange southern accent that feels unnatural.
The film's script is a mixed bag, some of the dialogue can feel very hit-or-miss while other times it feels insightful. It's the performances that make the audience forget about the script's issues and it's clear that everyone is trying the best to their ability. While the film loses itself in it's second and third acts, the film's final scenes pack quite the punch and leave the audience with something that'll stick with them.
The Mauritanian isn't a bad film in the slightest, it's strengths overpower it's weaknesses and the themes presented are incredibly important. It's just that this film could have been much better and it doesn't quite live up to it's true potential.
3/5 Stars
The Mauritanian is now playing in theaters and is now available to rent on premium video-on-demand.
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