A very mature movie starring Tom Hanks as Alan a washed out salesman sent to Saudi Arabia in the hope to make a life saving sales to the King, Alexander Black as Yousef a driver who ends up accompanying Allan in his journey through the desert country and Sarita Choudhury as Zhara a doctor in the process of divorcing who forges a bond with Alan.
We meet Alan on his way to Saudi Arabia. Immediately we recognize his despondency and sadness. I thought this was such a brilliant way to confront the two distinctly different cultures, the American and Arabian. Through the difficulties the character faces connecting with the business contact at the King's Metropolis of Economy and Trade through his travel through Mecca where he entered because of Yousef's inattention and then when relating to Zhara where he learns the rules of male-female interactions in a muslim country. Through it all there is a delightful humor that is subdued but I cracked up. For example, while they are driving through Mecca, Alan is forbidden to look out the window. Children approach begging while Yousef points his index finger to heaven. Alan asks:
"What does that mean?"
"Allah will provide."
"Does it work?"
"It ends the discussion."
The story comes from Dave Eggers novel by the same name. Tom Tykwer adapted the screenplay and directed the movie. Again I must compliment the cinematography by Frank Griebe that takes us through the desert and under the coral reef beautifully.
-LENA GHIO
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