Cairo Time

“Cairo Time” was written and directed by Ruba Hadda and stars Patricia Clarkson. To say that this is not a fast-paced film would be the understatement of the year since even the pyramids on the screen appear to be moving faster than the movie itself. Working from a very dull and dreary script, Ms. Clarkson is about the only reason to even think of going to see this movie for her performance, much like the acclaimed actions (and non-actions0 of Diane Lane in “Unfaithful” tell us more than the dialogue Ms. Hadda never got around to write. It is truly a gift to see an actress convey so many thoughts and ideas without uttering a sound. This Ms. Clarkson does admirably well but…and there’s always a “but”, it’s not enough to hold the interest of the viewer or to allow one to really “get into the story”. One waits until at least 45 of the film’s 90 minutes to realize it isn’t going anywhere but from where it started out and that isn’t very far. I give the film 2 and ½ stars but only because Ms. Clarkson’s presence in it is it‘s only redeeming quality.