Cairo Time

Director: Ruba Nadda
Writer: Ruba Nadda
Cast: Patricia Clarkson, Alexander Siddig, Tom McCamus, Elena Anaya, Amina Annabi
Theatrical Release Date: August 6, 2010 8:53 AM
Criticwire: B-
On The Web IMDB Entry

Synopsis: Patricia Clarkson plays Juliette, a magazine editor. Vaguely dissatisfied with her job, Juliette follows her Canadian diplomat husband, Mark (Tom McCamus), to Cairo. When she arrives, however, she learns that he's been held up in the Palestinian territories due to escalating tensions in the region. Left to wait, Juliette soon discovers that the streets of Cairo can be tough terrain for a woman on her own. Enter Tareq (Alexander Siddig), an old friend of Mark's who becomes Juliette's companion and guide, introducing her to various Egyptian customs. The city's grandeur comes alive as he leads her through the beguiling streets of Cairo. While they wander side by side, Juliette senses an alluring kindness and charm in Tareq, and he is equally taken with her. As she waits for word on her husband's imminent arrival, the two struggle to control their obvious mutual attraction. The pyramids beckon, offering a gentle reflection of the epic desire building between the tourist and her guide. Their bond becomes increasingly complex as it evolves: is this a profound friendship or something else? Adding to the discomfort is the obvious loyalty they both feel to the man they have in common – Juliette's husband and Tareq's friend – who is physically absent but still present in their minds. [Synopsis courtesy of TIFF]

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1 Comment

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JOBREEN | August 5, 2010 9:27 AMReply

I was able to see this movie before it's American release date. I was living in Bali where dvd's are pirated. Now that I think of it, I am not sure if a 'legal' dvd is even available. When I chose this film, I didn't know if it was current or because I was not living in the US, if I somehow had missed it. (Another film I LOVED is Blind Date with Ms. Clarkson and then ever engaging Stanley Tucci. ) So.... I own a copy of Cairo TIme, (& I am sorry about the pirating but I was starving for films) and I have seen this 3 times. I brought it back to the US to share with my family. This is a gorgeous film, with timing and visuals like silk. Yet there is no sense of being emotionally worked. There is a slow unfolding between two very intelligent people coming from complex and diverse backgrounds. The core of who they are as individuals peel back in their measured but natural conversations with one another. I read the comments made about the actual filming by the writer/director Ruba Nadda & now I am even more enthralled with this film as art and as social commentary. The frame of reference between the two characters display the differences in their backgrounds and how they perceive the atmosphere and environment they each inhabit. Yet, in spite of their backgrounds, how they process life inspired a tender and respectful understanding between them. Well, I could go on and on but this is a great film, a lovely film and for me it's what film making should be about. And each, EACH of the performances of the characters cast are packed with nuance and are stunning. Patricia Clarkson is perfect. Alexander Siddig is captivating, alluring and so perfectly cast you can smell the scent of his skin. This is about to become a classic film.