A Hologram for the King
A Hologram for a King is about businessman Alan Clay (Tom Hanks) who goes to Saudi Arabia to try and pitch a modern, holographic IT conferencing system to the King of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is a country of two halfs, the more vibrant and historic Saudi Arabia and the soulless modernized Saudi Arabia. Some of the cities in the Middle East, especially in the richer nations, are a mix of old and new, and Frank Griebe’ superb cinematography captures Saudi Arabia’s vibrancy as well as modern soulless, flash architecture outside the city. Hanks is likeable and terrific in the lead role, and overall the film is engaging with Alan’s relationship with his driver, Yousef (an excellent Alexander Black), being the highlight.
