The skepticism surrounding Muslims and conspiracies is real. Often when terror attacks occur, the first people that come to our minds are Muslims. That’s so because most insurgencies are ordeals conducted by militias who are Muslims. The Mauritanian is a film that takes an in-depth look into Tahar Rahim’s life, a French Algerian actor, and his experiences behind bars.
What Must We Know About the Mauritanian?
The Mauritanian is a legal drama film adapted from Guantanamo Diary, directed by Kevin Macdonald. It is a US-based film featuring Mohamedou Ould Slahi and his stern lawyer, prosecutor, and defense attorney, who uncover a far-reaching conspiracy while investigating the case of 9/11.
In the movie, we see Slahi’s military prison experiences, spending his nights and days beyond bars. With the storyline narrating how officers unlawfully detained Slahi. Staying in prison for 14 years without charge. The officers had accused him of being involved in the 9/11 attack on the United States and receiving a phone call from Osama bin Laden’s satellite phone.
The film shows how Slahi’s lawyer, Jodie Foste,r battles the ravaging prosecutors, defends her client and how she liberates him. A mixture of love, anger, mistrust comprises the film. However, the most fascinating of all is Slahi’s character. His role seems to suit what viewers would love. Slahi is this joyful, humourous culprit who is serving in prison despite his innocence.
The Twist in the Film
The reason being, the director intends for the people to fall in love with him, despite him being an alleged terrorist.
“I want people to go in perhaps with their prejudices that they might have about a Muslim man who has been accused of terror, and to come out having fallen in love with him and realizing that he’s a human being as warm, as intelligent, as likable as anybody you could meet,” he said.
Unlike in most cases where criminals become angry and resentful after false accusations, Slahi is a calm, happy and funny personality. The French Algerian actor has brought out a character trait which many loved. He is, in fact, many’s favorite characters in the entire film.
What Was Rahim’s View About Slahi’s Character?
Rahim stated that at first, he was reluctant to start the role. However, he changed his decision for concerns that the part could paint a stereotypical view of prison life. Fortunately, the character has earned him a nomination at the Golden Globe.
According to Rahim, often characters from the Middle East, North African, or Muslim are usually depicted differently. Nevertheless, being humans, flaws, weaknesses, and feelings are part of our lives. Therefore, a lot is bound to happen. For Rahim, Slahi was just a character, a beautiful role in his acting career. And acting his best-meant justice for Slahi.
Later in the film, Slahi gets to walk freely, though assigned a guard who monitors his life and movement. He re-establishes his life in Mauritania, where he becomes friends with his Guantanamo guard (Steve Wood). The Mauritanian is a real sensation that gives a complete view of Muslim convicts.
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