'The Mauritanian' Cast: Jodie Foster, Tahar Rahim, Kevin Macdonald | THR Interview

Jodie Foster and Tahar Rahim, as well as director Kevin Macdonald, spoke to THR about making their film 'The Mauritanian,' based on the true story of Mohamedou Ould Slahi and his book 'Guantánamo Diary.' The stars and director opened up about meeting the real Slahi, as well as what he told them that stuck with them while filming. Plus, Rahim, who received a best drama actor Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Slahi, detailed how he went "all in" for the role. Meanwhile, Foster, who received a best supporting actress Golden Globe nom, revealed how this role is different from those she's taken on in the past. 'The Mauritanian' is in theaters Feb. 12.
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'The Mauritanian' Cast: Jodie Foster, Tahar Rahim, Kevin Macdonald | THR Interview
The Hollywood Reporter
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[@mattbernabe]

Just finished watching this, and this is one of the best films of 2020 or 2021, so far. Equally affective and powerful. Excellent award worthy performances!

[@freespiriteyeofra]

I thought his acting is out of this world!

[@drdj69]

WATCH SERPENT

[@ariturbo4094]

Any links in youtube?

[@isay7003]

This movie was so intense, just imagine how much worse the reality must have been. This is just one story out of 780

[@lillymclilly4281]

If Jodi Foster is involved, it must be oscar worthy! Love herL

[@jannaghaleiw5504]

It is, I've just watched, it's excellent in all aspects and it will make angry, frustrated and cry. It will be very disappointing, if it does not win some of the best Oscar categories.

[@misslori66]

Always. I watch everything she's involved with.

[@elizabethchwakanowski5067]

EXACTLY

[@almazghanni9676]

Another masterful acting from Tahar Rahim, I've become addicted to his movies ever since watching "a prophet", absolutely a must watch.

[@mrjoc88]

A prophet one of best films ever made.. A real gem

[@heyfitmama]

Have you watched The Serpent yet??? Absolutely outstanding.

[@valerieharris2395]

A Prophet is amazing. Too powerful - troubled me for days.

[@Cancoillotteman]

Funny stuff I actually went to the same highschool as he did (5 years later, lycée Condorcet in Belfort France), and the scenes in French I recognized our accent all the way through. It feels pretty surreal in this kind of movies.

[@tundehale7127]

Tahar Rahim would deserve an Oscar for his performance. I have seen him in other terror related dramas, he never disappoints. ( PS : his smile makes me melt 😍)

[@sanatl3076]

Me too😍😍👌👌

[@freespiriteyeofra]

@@sanatl3076 and me ;-)

[@paulbismuth10]

He is a beast. You should see A Prophet, one of his first role.

[@loantran-thanh7795]

And his wife is as beautiful and talented as he is. Great couple of actors in France!

[@sanatl3076]

@@loantran-thanh7795 🙏🙏🙏💐

[@naillijseer]

I love Tahar Rahim, my fave actor

[@VenkylovesMuzyk]

Have you watched The Looming Tower? He's brilliant in it as well.

[@Cancoillotteman]

Funny stuff I actually went to the same highschool as he did (5 years later, lycée Condorcet in Belfort France), and the scenes in French I recognized our accent all the way through. It feels pretty surreal in this kind of movies.

[@erichavnen3727]

Jodie Foster will ALWAYS be a beautiful and talented legend...

[@osvaldof8316]

i watched it just a couple of days ago. I strongly recommend it. It is a true story, very painful , and the performances are spectacular. You have Jodie Foster , no need to say anymore.

[@arcanumviator]

Jodie and Tahar had magnificent acting, definitely deserve an oscar

[@ahmedtaleb978]

Mohamedou is the best man when he said I forgave everyone. he's really great man

[@loulouyanis937]

Am French Algerian like Tahar Rahim. Am so impressed about how well spoken he is in English. Cannot even hear his French accent.

[@ennediend2865]

You are an Algerian French. Just like Madonna or Al Pacino are Italian Americans , not American Italians. Merci.

[@bachirdaho8132]

@@ennediend2865 Well I know some Algerian French, who reject their French culture and consider themselves Algerian only because of racism.

[@Cancoillotteman]

Guys cool-down this is just a translation issue ^^ In French the main adjective is the first one, not the second, the opposit of the English language. Whatever Yanis' exact situation is don't you wanna leave some room for a loss in translation or misinterpretation somewhere ? ^^ As to Tahar's accent in English I actually could hear it pretty well, I actually got the same. But then again I grew up in the same town (Belfort) and went to the same highschool as Tahar, so this may explain it ^^

[@andrewfletcher1341]

@@ennediend2865 la facho continue de te cacher derriere le net

[@greystubble5821]

Tahar is excellent in The Serpent. He is defo a guy to watch! lots of talent.

[@saadiatalib5896]

Please watch A Prophet his breakout

[@almazghanni9676]

@@saadiatalib5896 concur

[@valerieharris2395]

The Serpent blew my mind!!! Tahir was brilliant!! Great casting - great story!

[@hopeemch]

I've seen Tahar Rahim in three of his movies so far -- THE PROPHET, THE SERPENT and THE MAURITANIAN and didn't recognize him from movie to movie. He's a chameleon and simply embodies the characters he plays from head to toe to spirit and persona. All award worthy. But I must say The Mauritanian, as he says, was his most challenging role and his portrayal was remarkable as the man he portrayed. I would say it's a must see movie because it doesn't pull any punches and proves what we need to accept about our country -- When we behave as our enemies behave we are the same.

[@darkknightwithanidea1845]

Just finished watching this epic motion picture. Kevin McDonald’s directing - OSCAR, Jodie Foster is always brilliant - but this is her crowning achievement for an Oscar in 2021. She’s magnificent as the heavyweight defence attorney & delvers an unbelievable performance. Solid as a rock.

[@MartinWalshDC]

Just watched it on Amazon Prime, loved it. Really moved me. Performances were fantastic as was the directing, writing, and the whole production. Bravo.

[@valerieharris2395]

Tahar Rahim, in 2 films - NetFlix' "The Serpent" and "The Mauritanian" - has blown my mind with portrayals of real-life people. What a great actor. I think I just found a new all-time favorite!!

[@captainhaddock6524]

check out ‘the looming tower’ on prime video. Tahar’s great in that too!

[@MC-cg2rr]

Tahar Rahim est merveilleux. Superbe acteur. Trop fière

[@filhanislamictv8712]

I cried watching this movie

[@Msskhalifaa]

What a heartbreaking but absolutely beautiful film. Mohammadu has a heart of gold, I am amazed by his continued positive outlook on life, and the smile on his face that never goes away, he is truly incredible. This film deserves all the awards. All of the actors, absolutely brilliant, I can't say enough.

[@samimas4343]

Those are the exact descriptions of the prophet Muhammad (the God's peace and blessing be upon him) made by his companions. The prophet, too, was tortured by the pagans to give up his odd monotheistic religion and its new commandment to care for all and especially the weak, the orphaned and the poor.

[@siddharthnaagar7028]

Jodie really deserves Academy attention for this performance

[@anelkal3636]

He is handsome

[@andreamacdougall303]

Looking forward to watching this movie. Just finished The Serpent and I'm addicted to Tahar!

[@angelmatos9143]

Just another spectacular day at the office by Jodie Foster. A must watch for all the right reasons.

[@maymoonaveeran9787]

The Mauretanian is a brilliant movie. It educates the world about injustices in the judicial systems of first world countries. I feel that I should apologise to Mohammedou for the sins of the world. A shocking, yet spectacular movie.

[@Cancoillotteman]

take it easy on the "educating" part : who is ever gonna watch this movie if not already convinced ? It raises awareness yes, but does not educate anyone I'd venture

[@VNn2023]

First, sorry for my bad english. No, just USA horrible system! In civilized countries like Norway, Sweden, Switzerland etc (the real first world) justice and prisons are millennial more advanced that the medieval justice and prisons USA system have.

[@maymoonaveeran9787]

@@VNn2023 I agree with you. Your English is great, dear friend.

[@pirzadaasif5485]

This movie is marvelous. What a story.

[@sanatl3076]

I fell in love with your smile at the lawyer’s first interview. Thank you for mastering the experience of Mohamed Ould Salahi👍👌👌💐💗 Love from Syria😔😑

[@Dad2Kids]

Damn I cried in the Court.

[@maggiesmith4328]

movie was great ,actors acting was brilliant ,fantastic work of the whole crew

[@gabiv100]

He is not angry because he understands what most don't.

[@mandyuwimana7735]

Amazing actor, Tahar Rahim👏👏👏

[@MrMilan187]

briliant movie! great acting from all of the crew!

[@silkroad7728]

Dear Tahar Rahim, Wish You All the Best 🤲🏻💜💜💜 Love and Respect from Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬🙂

[@mikaelamikaela9171]

Just watch "The Serpent" , Tahar Rahim play's the character of Charles Sobrhaj the serial killer... Is a masterpiece, i never seen before a tv series like this... Is a 💣💣💣💣💥💥💥...

[@kylepatrickmaducdoc1719]

completely off topic from this film but you guys should watch the serpent in Netflix. Tahar rahim's portrayal of Charles Sobhraj (the serial killer) IS SO ON POINT ITS HARD TO RECOGNIZE HIM EVEN IN HIS INTERVIEWS 👍 And the show itself is awesome

[@madalinafercal3836]

Just perfect! Amazing actors

[@HazelWorldwide]

I can’t wait to watch the movie

[@asian6oy]

He is my new favourite person ever 🥺💙

[@julieelizabeth510]

Best acting I have seen in a while.

[@ariari2454]

Jodie Foster is just wowwww....

[@elkapitan75]

I think the movie is suppose to bring awareness...but that might be lost on some people here.

[@moulinduviaduc]

I'd agree with you there. This film tells of his deeply held faith and through it, deliverance for all the key characters.

[@nabilmesrour411]

thet movie is so powerful to watch

[@emervv]

He is so handsome😍

[@armstrongcatherine]

Gosh this was a hard movie to watch. So much shame for what we have allowed to happen to people in the pursuit of so called justice. 9/11 was such a terrible sin but this is every bit as bad on an individual basis. On a separate note I thought that Jodie and Tahar were so impressive.

[@armstrongcatherine]

@Rachel James I did say on an individual basis. I don't think what they did to him was any less evil than the choices people made to fly a plane into a building. They are all wrongly justified by thinking you are avenging some wrong. There is no justification for 9/11 or what they did to him. They are all evil and will have helped noone.

[@jahanmahmood]

Best film ever for me. That court scene is unrivalled. Had no idea forgive and free have the same root in arabic. I recently reviewed a book called Guantanamo Voices by Sarah Mirk. Excellent short introduction to the notorious Guantanamo

[@wendymoore6162]

i enjoyed it greatly .Great cast ,Jodie Foster really is a fantastic actor .

[@omarendin6497]

I love u Jodie...it has been quite a while I haven't seen you in a big movie

[@nounasab8536]

Hâte de le voir deux acteurs que j’adore.

[@luzluz3752]

J'en reviens pas de son anglais😅. Il a tout les talents. Bravo Tahar👍👍👍

[@jaffarkhan173]

What a great movie ! Excellent acting

[@thelaurels13]

Jodi Foster was just incredible as Nancy Hollander. I’m so glad this movie was made.

[@CuriousMind1011]

Great film!

[@UGAgradRN]

Jodie is so cool

[@Naturelovers617]

Great movie just finished watching it 👍

[@laila83g62]

Great movie 💥💥💥💥

[@valerieharris2395]

Watch Tahir's interview on Netflix about The Serpent! It's amazing what this guy does to prepare for a role!!

[@KironManuelCards]

Such events are going on all over the world still now.

[@hakimewalido3845]

Bravo rahim vive Algérie🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿

[@brooklynrodriguez9096]

Great movie loved it!

[@drdj69]

THE SERPENT takes it to the next level

[@blackeyes3313]

Jodie 😘

[@natgreen5903]

Brilliant film

[@mustafatube18490]

Great movie peace to you jodi

[@xoxo-dr8df]

Excellent film.

[@FernandaSantos-ri5ms]

Uma atriz maravilhosa

[@kamelhasard7091]

Tahar rahim la classe👍👌👌 L'oscar meilleur acteur !!😊😊☝

[@louisalouisa7694]

🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@camilla3783]

♥♥

[@brahimndb8868]

Hi

[@MuhammadAliUK]

WOW

[@jednakhatraty165]

فلم رائع

[@kamrulislamshipo7649]

Best movie of the year.

[@exittored]

I liked this film and it was an important film to make and let people know about the terrible things that went on at Guantánamo but personally i found Camp X Ray starring Kristen Stewart a much better film in every way.

[@WeAreFootball2]

I really liked it. The casting was spot on. The dialogue was great. I don't understand America's insistence on using British actors to play Americans but whatever. The story is fascinating and disturbing and kept me enthralled the whole way through. Well worth a watch.

[@tenga3tango]

Please make the Uygur.

[@philippegaza]

J' ai vu le serpent avec Tahar ça change là nul doute que ce film va être oscarisé !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@maldoori238]

An excellent choice of actresses and actor. Mohammed is a role model of a true Muslim who is an inspiration

[@Rara-Land.]

Damn he is fine!

[@darthpapa696]

The dude is got robbed from Oscar nomination.

[@ouideddeladj7698]

Tahar a plus de succès qu en France un tres grand acteur mai pas reconnu en France comme benzema et plein d autres malheureusement. 🤩

[@SoniaZzz]

Tahar a une belle carrière en France faut pas exagérer

[@endofevolution6452]

Au contraire : il est énormément apprécié en France.....mais c'est sa discrétion en dehors du monde du cinéma qui le rapproche plus de....... Zidane.😉

[@ennediend2865]

@@endofevolution6452 Exactement, bien dit. On va pas remettre Benzema sur la table et la victimisation ça commence à bien faire !... Tahar Rahim a été reconnu et récompensé en France (2 césars), il mène aussi une carrière internationale. Il est très talentueux , et discret comme Zidane. Le contraire de la frime de Benzema. De toutes façons, dans ce métier, beaucoup d'appelés , peu d'élus. Et comme dans toutes les professions artistiques, personne ne vous doit rien, il faut se faire sa place tout seul.

[@Frenchkisssss]

There was no Mauritanian actors ?

[@anteversus8471]

Nan, ça t'emm...le maroki?

[@iraqmovies5710]

فلم براسه ٦٠ حض

[@filmtoppings]

The title of this movie sounds an awful lot like "The Mandalorian"

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

No it doesn't

[@medsson5173]

i have to disagree with u , it really doesn’t sound awful !

[@loupasternak]

Jodies ultra red lipstick scared me more than Guantanamo

[@3dom2026]

No thanks you

[@thinkpanzer6690]

A model for us!!! the guy is alqaida recruter

[@sambou6286]

Big claim, Where is your proof??

[@claudelebel49]

You believe everything you hear on TV?

[@lionkills1]

@@sambou6286 Problem is that it isn't easy to gather evidence like it in the states. You don't have FBI visiting his home there, or surveillance team watching him to build a case. Most of evidence is through Human and Signal intelligence. Human intelligence has failed many times such as weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. He did serve in Al Qaeda in Afghanistan during Russian Invasion. Back then AL Qaeda was supported by Washington. US kept many heavy value targets in Gitmo due to fear to them being released could cause deaths to US service members in active war zones. War is pretty complicated especially when you are in asymmetrical warfare. You don't know who is a civilian or enemy combatant. I truly can't say if he is guilty or not, but i think it would been fair to do supervisory release after his court date, kind of like probation. These wars been pretty unnecessary imo, so i can understand viewpoint from both sides.

[@nasimakuji1164]

15 years to find evidence and nothing .After torture nothing . If he is the recruiter for 9/11,than the guy needs the Oscar not the actual actors .

[@thymelaka4758]

@@lionkills1 all these years USA couldn't even charge him with anything. Every "terrorist" at one point was a friend of USA. Even sadam hussein, osama and mujahideen taliban were friends of USA. There are a lot of politics involved into how these friends became terrorists. If you don't know them. Don't make false claims. This guy was a political prisoner. I wish you could go through what he went through and then see how you respond.

[@hugonorrea511]

What a piece of this movie is. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY IN THIS GARBAGE.

[@MuhammadAliUK]

WOW