by Eric Blume
Yesterday, Variety leaked word that STX will provide a late-entry film into the Oscar race. The Mauritanian, which was formerly titled Prisoner 760 (going from one bad title to another), is The Last King of Scotland director Kevin Macdonald's latest film. It stars A Prophet's leading man Tahir Rahim as a tortured captive in Guatanamo Bay and Jodie Foster as his lawyer. Variety critic Clayton Davis claims that Rahim and Foster deliver electrifying performances, and that they could find themselves in the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress races, respectively.
Macdonald has had a bit of an erratic career since he directed Forest Whittaker to an Oscar back in 2006. His last film, the documentary Whitney, profiled the singer with limited depth but curiosity and sympathy. It'll be good to see him return to the arena of global politics, which seems to be his strength...
Tahar Rahim in Un Prophete
Tahir Rahim's performance in Jacques Audiard's stunning A Prophet back in 2009 was monumental, acting purely naturalistic and uncompromising, but with an epic edge to it that helped elevate the film to something larger. He won a richly-deserved Best Actor Cesar Award. He's worked continuously ever since in both French and American cinema, but hasn't ever received another role as well-written since... could this be it? It's always exciting (slash frustrating slash depressing) when Americans get to "discover" an actor who has long been well-loved and respected in their own country but are making their first big splash with a huge role in an accessible American film. I cannot wait to see him do his thing.
I will always stand firm saying that Jodie Foster is one of the greatest actors to ever stand before a camera, possessed of so many qualities unique to her that connect powerfully to a lens. She has that incredible gift of allowing you to see what's in her mind, on all levels, at all times, if she so desires. She doesn't work often, and when she does, her choices are surprising and dubious. She arguably hasn't had a juicy role in forever (maybe 2007's The Brave One or Polanski's film version of Carnage in 2012?), and she's overdue for just that. We really should have the joy of seeing Jodie onscreen more often. If it comes to pass, it'll be thrilling to see her net a fifth Oscar nomination.
The film's subject matter, and STX not really being an Oscar player, may hold The Mauritanian back from getting out there properly, so everything will have to be handled smartly. Release date is set for February 19, right at the end of the Oscar eligibility period. Is anyone else out there as excited to see Rahim and Foster come back in full force again? Sound off in the comments.