About Visitor

"The Visitor" is an engrossing drama film about a widowed professor named Walter Vale portrayed by Richard Jenkins. The film was released in 2007 and was written and directed by Tom McCarthy. Its plot revolves around Vale, who, having lost his passion for teaching and writing, fills the emptiness of his existence by traveling to his New York apartment. There he discovers a couple who had unwittingly rented his place believing it to be vacant. Instead of displacing the couple, he invites them to stay and forms an unexpected bond, especially with the male occupant, Tarek, a Syrian refugee. This creates a deep, transformative experience of shared humanity that pervades their lives.

Making / Production

The film was produced by Groundswell Productions and Participant Media, in association with Next Wednesday, and was distributed by Overture Films. The director Tom McCarthy, known for his sensitive storytelling, brought this captivating story to life with a cast led by seasoned actor Richard Jenkins.

Actors

• Richard Jenkins played the role of Walter Vale, an introverted professor. Jenkins skillfully portrays his character's evolution from a life of solitude to one intricately involved with his unexpected tenants.
• Haaz Sleiman as Tarek, a Syrian refugee and a drummer adds depth to the story with his exceptional performance, demonstrating the struggles of immigrants.
• Danai Gurira played Zainab, Tarek's Senegalese girlfriend. She beautifully encapsulated Zainab's struggles as an immigrant.
• Hiam Abbass portrays Mouna Khalil, Tarek’s mother. Her performance vividly conveys the experience of a mother trying to navigate her way through her son's difficult situation.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie is not just a story about an Intertwined fate of four individuals, but a deft commentary on American immigration policy in post 9/11 era.
• The title 'The Visitor' holds a double meaning, referencing both the protagonist Walter's visiting his own apartment and the immigrants’ status in the US.

Awards

The film received numerous award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Richard Jenkins for Best Actor.

Quotes

• "You live here, Walter?” - Tarek
• "It’s a drum. If you hit it – and you’re not angry, you won’t hurt it." - Tarek to Walter
• "I think it's a wonderful opportunity for you." - Barbara to Walter

• The film features a stirring and soulful drum score composed by Jan A.P. Kaczmarek.
• Literal beating of the drum in the movie not just provided intense soundtrack but also became a metaphor for storytelling.