The Reluctant Fundamentalist

Only last week I mentioned how events in the wider world can have a bearing on a film’s release totally outside the control of its makers. Such happenings can affect the mood of the cinema-going public, determining whether or not the film will prove a hit. A film exploring east-west tensions in the post 9/11 world is always going to be susceptible to such vagaries.

The Reluctant Fundamentalist, from veteran Indian director Mira Nair, starts with the kidnapping by Islamic fundamentalists of an American professor based in Lahore, Pakistan. The (un-named) CIA then swing into action to secure the release of their compatriot by whatever means necessary. Seasoned foreign reporter and covert CIA operative Robert Lincoln, whose world-weariness is played with great balance by Live Schrieber, is sent to interview the radical Islamic academic Professor Changez (Riz Ahmed) who, it is believed, is implicated in the kidnapping.

Prof. Changez agrees to be interviewed on the understanding that his complete story is told and recorded to give full perspective. The film then alternates between contemporary happenings and flashback as we follow Changez’ journey from genteel poverty in Pakistan to scholarship success at Princeton University. He is head-hunted by a major New York financial institution, Underwood Samson, and commences his career as an analyst. His instinctive ability to identify savings in corporations perceived as under-performing catches the eye of Underwood Samson executive Jim Cross (Kiefer Sutherland) and under his tutelage it is clear he is destined for top-flight success. His personal life is equally golden-plated, his good looks and social confidence easing him effortlessly into the New York scene and a relationship with an aspiring artistic photographer, Erica (Kate Hudson).

His idyllic lifestyle starts to be tarnished with the events of 9/11. Returning to the United States from a business trip to the Philippines, he finds himself treated with hostile suspicion at the airport and subjected to a demeaning strip search. This is just the first of several incidents which makes him question both his career choice and allegiance to his adopted homeland. Subsequently sent to Turkey to wind-up a non-profitable publisher, his conscience is pricked by the chain-smoking managing director who presents him with an anthology including poems by Changez’ father. Quitting his job, his visa is automatically revoked and he returns to Pakistan.

Changez is played with great nuance by British-born actor Riz Ahmed – his strong and charismatic performance drives the film. His character’s admission, retrospectively, that at the height of his success and assimilation into American life he still felt a frisson of excitement as the planes hit the Twin Towers and David hit back at Goliath, was a telling moment and demonstrated well the complexities of his motivations. Other characters within the film, from both sides, were equally complex. And as both sides concentrated on pointing out the plank in each others’ eyes, it was obvious there could be no meeting of minds and, ergo, no resolution.

The film’s central message that eastern religious fundamentalism is matched by an equally unattractive western economic fundamentalism of corporate greed was introduced rather heavy-handedly. This was forgivable. It was pretty crucial that the point was seen to be made.

So will recent events surrounding Islamic extremism have an influence on this film’s audience? Probably not. I imagine those inclined to see this film will go anyway. And those who might benefit from seeing it, won’t.

****

The Hangover Part III

On a road trip to Arizona, the ‘Wolfpack’ of Bradley Cooper as Phil Wenneck,  Ed Helms as Dr.Stuart Price and  Zach Galifianakis as Alan Garner are forcibly pushed off the road by big time gangster Marshall (John Goodman) who blames them for the loss of $21m worth of gold bullion to Thai criminal Leslie Chow (Ken Jeong) – these things happen. He takes Dr Price hostage with the promise of execution unless the hapless friends track down and bring to Marshall the elusive Thai villain. It’s a comedy.

There follows an ever more frantic series of set pieces as the gang try to capture the master criminal and save the life of their friend.

The cast are all amiable and watchable but the material is just not there. This is a film which raises a few smiles and a very occasional laugh. But even at just over 90 minutes it is far too long.

This is a franchise that has now over extended its welcome.

2.5 stars.