A Hologram for the King is a movie adapted from Dave Eggers’ novel written in 2012. The screenplay was written by Tom Tykwer (Clous Atlas, Run Lola Run). It stars Tom Hanks as Alan Clay, an American businessman who has come to Saudi Arabia with plans of selling some high-tech gadgets to an invisible king; but he is soon to discover that this might take much longer than he had anticipated. Furthermore, together with his colleagues, they have been pushed into a separate tent which does not have any food apart from gasps air conditioning or wifi Oh and there’s also a lump on his back that makes him think he’s sick.
There are quite a few things that occur in the meantime of this 97 minute film about one man waiting for an appointment. First and foremost, it is about a poor marketeer trying to get used to and fit into another world “literally”. However Alan starts to adjust with his new surroundings thanks to Zahra-a rare female Saudi doctor- and an eccentric taxi driver named Yousef. And gain some self insight along the way.
As always, tom hanks lights up the screen with his natural likeability and wit while director tom tykwer crafts all of the right lines and reaction shots specifically for him by choosing carefully what will be shown in each frame. Indeed much of Hanks’s role merely involves reacting to all of these bewildering happenings around him which serves well at making him endearing to those watching. He may not be one of Hanks’ most iconic characters in comparison with some other more challenging roles, but who better than a two-time academy award winner themselves?, Plus Hanks’ appearance completely fits his character as essentially being washed-up yet good-natured entrepreneur.
Meanwhile, the rest of the cast does well enough in their comparatively underwritten parts even though none can overshadow Mr. Hanks. At first, Yousef is just a funny character who helps Alan understand the more complex cultural aspects. The fact that in addition to his own personal issues, however, when Yousef becomes more involved in Alan’s life it leads to a weekend visit to his family. However, this part of the story makes no sense.
Also there’s Zahra for whom Alan develops an affection early on and with whom he grows fond of throughout the film. It doesn’t start until after Alan finishes pitching that their relationship materializes though and consequently feels like tacked-on ending of about twenty minutes or so. This ties into a greater problem with the storytelling which sometimes comes off as disjointed particularly as it strays further from “A Hologram for the King” at hand. However this is all necessary in order to develop characters and both Alan and Zahra have their moments in the end.
A Hologram for the King at last gives a shallow portrayal of an American businessman’s three consequential days in Saudi Arabia, with specific reference to dealing with royalty as well as religious confrontation. Fired by this unusual combination of Hank’s element and the vibrancy of desert scenery shot mostly in Morocco, it is worthwhile watching.
The Final Ruling
Let go off your earlier disappointments from its teasers: A Hologram for the King is a different kind of movie that has been driven by Tom Hank’s unending charisma. On occasion, it may feel disjointed and not delve any deeper into issues you want it to, but Tykwer’s film still manages to tell a fascinating story because of its smart idea, unique location and likable characters.
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