{"id":507214,"date":"2021-02-11T00:00:00","date_gmt":"1970-01-01T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/numero.com\/non-classifiee-2\/the-mauritanian-interview-with-tahar-rahim\/"},"modified":"2024-06-20T17:24:51","modified_gmt":"2024-06-20T15:24:51","slug":"the-mauritanian-interview-with-tahar-rahim","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/numero.com\/en\/culture-en\/the-mauritanian-interview-with-tahar-rahim\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cThe Mauritanian\u201d: interview with Tahar Rahim"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Tahar Rahim par Arno Lam.<\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n \n

For the past few weeks,<\/strong> his name has been on everyone\u2019s lips. In The Serpent, a British series already broadcast by the BBC and soon to be shown on Netflix, Tahar Rahim is sensational as Charles Sobhraj, a serial killer who, in the 1970s, preyed on tourists travelling the hippie trail in Southeast Asia. But as well as being hailed across the Channel, the star of A Prophet<\/em> has been cast by Hollywood in a role that could change his life: rumour is rife that he may be up for an Oscar for his portrayal of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a Mauritanian who was held without charge in Guant\u00e1namo for 14 years. The sixth feature film by Scottish director Kevin Macdonald, The Mauritanian<\/em> is set to propel the French actor, already a hero at home, to stardom in America.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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Num\u00e9ro: More than a decade after A Prophet [2009], which was a big success, are you ready for what may await you with The Mauritanian?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Tahar Rahim:<\/strong> I\u2019m a very pragmatic person. I was young when A Prophet came out, just 28, and a little scared \u2013 I didn\u2019t know myself well enough, and in the end I didn\u2019t really make the most of the success. This time I intend to savour everything…<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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In the film, you play Mohamedou Ould Slahi, who was arbitrarily detained at Guant\u00e1namo for 14 years, a role that may well earn you an Oscar…<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Every actor has dreamed of one day holding that statuette in their hands. But the road is still long and the competition very stiff. There are so many parameters involved…<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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Would you describe The Mauritanian as political activism or as Hollywood entertainment? <\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

Obviously there\u2019s a political, activist side to Kevin Macdonald\u2019s film, as well as a humanist aspect too. The Mauritanian<\/em> tells the true story of a man who was imprisoned and tortured without charge. But it\u2019s also a Hollywood take on Guant\u00e1namo, about an individual\u2019s power to transform his anger into forgiveness.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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You\u2019re often described as discreet, yet you seem to be enjoying the XXL Hollywood promotional campaign for the film.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

I\u2019m discreet, but not shy. In the US, it\u2019s very rare to win an award with- out having done this kind of promotional campaign. I\u2019m doing these appearances to talk about my profession \u2013 if not, there\u2019s no reason for me to be on TV!<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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While you might not be so keen on television appearances, you\u2019re addicted to acting, and never hesitate to push your limits. For the series The Eddy<\/em> [2020], you developed your singing and trum- pet playing. For The Eagle<\/em> [2011], you learned old Gaelic…<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n

To play any role, you have to work, and explore unknown terrain. Acting is a bit of a playground for adults: you challenge yourself, you discover things, you learn… There comes a point where you just have to dive in. And when you do manage it, the satisfaction is huge!<\/p>\r\n\n

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