Black Gold

Black Gold 

Is a 2011 epic drama film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud and produced by Tarak Ben Ammar, Chairman of Quinta Communications and co-produced by the Doha Film Institute, Qatar. The film is one of the most expensive films backed by an Arab about an Arab subject.

It is based on Hans Ruesch's 1957 novel south of the Heart: A Novel of Modern Arabia.

Black Gold charts expansion of oil mining in the area, reveals nefarious effect it has on two rival sultans: Progressive speculator, Nesib (Antonio Banderas), and the Muslim traditionalist, Amar (Mark Strong). After years of silence due to a pact whereby Amar two sons - the diligent Auda (Rahim) and heated Saleh (Akin Gazi) - is transferred to Nesib as a kind of guarantee for his election team up with an American prospector ( Corey Johnson) to dig wells in an adjacent area makes a series of skirmishes, tearing the otherwise peaceful tribes from each other.

Customizing a 1957 novel by Swedish writer Hans Ruesch, Annaud and co-writers Menno Meyjes (The Colour Purple) and Alain Godard (Enemy at the Gates) attempt to address the emotional and moral ripples caused by the introduction of good U.S. Capitalism to reveal in a world not ready for such a radical change. But Annaud adventure in the approach to the material makes it difficult to understand the film's contemporary relevance, turning what could have been an actual historical expose into an often kitschy parade of horses, camels and colorful costumes.

To Banderas has been cast here as an Arab sheikh does not help matters much and sophisticated audience may have trouble him seriously as money hungry, western Nezib.

Rahim Although not exactly come from the region, he convincingly enough as it at first confused, and then firmly resolute, Prince Auda. Not unlike his portrayal of the prisoner-cum-crime lord in Jacques Audiard is a prophet, Rahim has a knack for playing characters who evolve from cowering in smart boys tough guys, and his story is better than one of political metaphors Annaud may be trying to dish out.

Shot in sun-drenched widescreen by Patrice Leconte common Jean-Marie Dreujou, makes the film provides some - albeit very retro - epic charm and the sweeping desert perspective, feel like they belong to one of the Hollywood super-productions 50s or 60 century.

Black Gold