CAIRO TIME
CAROLINE: I absolutely adored the trailer for Cairo Time when I saw it a few weeks ago, so I took myself to see it on opening day. And I’m so glad I did.
RYAN: I know very little about this movie. Is it the one with Patricia Clarkson?
CAROLINE: Indeed it is. There was something so magical about the trailer; the strange city, the potential for an affair. It was mesmerizing.
RYAN: So did the movie live up to it?
CAROLINE: Definitely. It’s not a perfect film by any means, but I really enjoyed it. It’s very slow; but in a good way. But honestly, you would have been bored. I think it’s more of a movie for the ladies.
RYAN: What’s it about?
CAROLINE: It’s kind of like Lost in Translation for the adult set. This woman goes to visit her husband, who works for the U.N., in Cairo, but he gets stuck in the Gaza Strip, so she has to fend for herself. She’s all messed up with jet lag and she knows no one except this one former colleague of her husband’s who picked her up at the airport.
RYAN: And that’s where it gets interesting?
CAROLINE: Exactly. I loved their relationship. I don’t want to give anything away, but it’s so well acted. Patricia Clarkson seemed a little mannered at times, and some of her gestures were slightly awkward. But I think she’s supposed to be a little bit prudish and uptight at first.
RYAN: Who plays the guy?
CAROLINE: His name is Alexander Siddig and he was on 24, but I didn’t really recognize him. He’s equally great. He and Patty C. have fabulous chemistry. But not a lot happens in the movie. She wanders around Cairo trying to keep busy, she misses her husband, she hangs out with the guy. But it’s beautifully shot and the scenery is amazing.
RYAN: Are we talking an Oscar nom for Patricia?
CAROLINE: It’s possible. Let’s be honest, she’s great in everything she does; but in a movie like this, where she and this one guy really carry the film, she’s more likely to get nominated.
RYAN: Well, I’m glad you liked it, but I’m not sure you’re review is making me want to run out and see it.
CAROLINE: It’s not for everyone, and it’s totally a movie you could wait to watch on DVD. But I was very happy to shell out my 13 bucks for it.
— BOTTOM LINE —
CAROLINE: It’s a very artsy indie movie. I’m sure it’s only playing in a few cities. If you can get into the slow pace of it and just enjoy the experience, it’s so great. You feel like you’re there with Patricia Clarkson in this totally different world, going through all of its strangeness with her. I really liked it.
— RATING —
