Movie Review - Cairo Time

Cairo Time (2010)

Starring Patricia Clarkson and Alexander Siddig 

Directed by Ruba Nadda

Just right off the bat, I have to say that Cairo Time is a lovely film.  It's a film I'm sure no one's heard of, but it did get a limited theatrical release in 2010.  Still, I can understand why it didn't shine even on the limited landscape -- it's incredibly simplistic and, for a love story, shockingly and admirably romantic (that's romantic and not raunchy as so often is the case nowadays).  This PG-rated flick contains grown-up characters who keep their clothes on throughout, but manage to show how sexy a simple flirtation can be.

After arriving in Cairo to see her husband, Juliette (Patricia Clarkson) discovers that her betrothed has been held up in Gaza on UN business.  In order to help show her around the city, her husband sets her up with his former co-worker, Tareq (Alexander Siddig).  What starts as an awkward uncomfortableness between strangers soon develops into a subdued, though palpable flirtation.  As they tour the old city of Cairo, Juliette and Tareq slowly begin to realize that they have a longing for love and connection, whether that be with each other or not is a big step that neither may be willing to take.

Cairo Time is all about connection.  It's not about the consummating of love, but about the simple gestures, facial expressions, and words that provide the impetus of a burgeoning relationship.  While some will certainly watch this film and think that nothing happens, to this blogger there is a ton occurring up on the screen.  The subtleties of Patricia Clarkson and Alexander Siddig's performances are what make this film a success.  Clarkson, in particular, is wonderful in a graceful, though tricky, performance as a woman who genuinely loves her husband, but also misses the loving bond she has with him.  Her Juliette is not a woman who was looking for love with another man, nor do I believe that she is a woman who would have taken a flirtatious relationship to the next level, but Clarkson portrays Juliette as always thinking...you get the sense that the character is constantly pondering, "This is what could have been, but this could never happen now."

Along with beautiful cinematography and a lovely (though a bit repetitive) piano-driven score, Cairo Time is a lovely way to spend 85 minutes.

The RyMickey Rating:  B+