About A Hologram For The King (HBO)

A Hologram for the King is a film directed by Tom Tykwer and adapted from the novel of the same name by Dave Eggers. Released in 2016, this dramatic comedy was shown on HBO. The storyline follows a failed American businessman who looks to recoup his losses by traveling to Saudi Arabia and selling his idea to a wealthy monarch. The film explores themes of globalization, fear, and cultural differences wrapped in a layer of personal discovery and humor.

Making / Production

The film was primarily shot in Morocco and Germany. Tom Hanks played a significant role in getting the movie made, from buying the rights to the Dave Eggers novel, to bringing in Tom Tykwer (whom he’d worked with on Cloud Atlas) to write and direct. The film was produced by Playtone, X Filme Creative Pool, Primeridian Entertainment, and was distributed by Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions.

Actors

• Tom Hanks as Alan Clay: Hanks plays the lead role, portraying a desperate and disoriented businessman trapped in a cultural and personal crisis.
• Alexander Black as Yousef: Black portrays Alan's driver and friend, giving a performance filled with humor and charm.
• Sarita Choudhury as Zahra: Choudhury plays a Saudi doctor, who becomes Alan's love interest. Her performance beautifully portrays the challenges faced by a liberal woman in a conservative society.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Tom Hanks and Tom Tykwer had previously collaborated on the film Cloud Atlas in 2012.
• The novel it's based on was a National Book Award Finalist in 2012.
• The desert scenes, taken to be Saudi Arabia, were actually filmed in Morocco due to the former's strict filming restrictions.

Quotes

• “Sometimes you have to change your scenery to change your life.” - Alan Clay
• “I've been given the boot more times than a Pakistani soccer ball.” - Alan Clay

Music, Soundtrack

• The music of A Hologram For The King was composed by Johnny Klimek and Tom Tykwer, adding a rich tapestry of sound that matches the film's dramatic and comedic essence.
• "Once in a Lifetime" by Talking Heads is a major song featured in the movie.
• The score was noted for its blend of Western and Middle Eastern musical elements.