THE VISITOR (15)
Staring:
Richard Jenkins, Haaz Sleiman,
Danai Gurira,Hiam
Abbass
Written & Directed by Thomas
McCarthy
Run-time:
106mins
Country of Origin & Year:
USA 2007
Walter Vale, a
professor from Connecticut, returns to his New York apartment after a long
absence. He is surprised to find a couple in residence; Tarek a Syrian musician
and Zainab his Senegalese girlfriend. Unaware that they are unlawful occupants
the couple are, in fact, illegal immigrants. Sympathising with their plight,
Walter invites them to stay and develops a new passion for music through his
burgeoning friendship with Tarek. Events take a darker turn when Tarek is taken
to a deportation centre; whilst there Walter becomes his sole point of contact
with the outside world. During this crisis, Tarek’s mother arrives and a
tentative romance blooms. We watch this once lonely widower become transformed
by his experiences. With an outstanding performance from Richard Jenkins as
Walter, this understated, bittersweet film from director Tom McCarthy (The Station Agent) is a great human
drama.
For original publicity please visit:
20.00 21st May 2009
Tickets £5.50 / £4.00 (MFC & students)