Review: 'Operation Filmmaker'
Documentary about an Iraqi film student sidesteps the fairy-tale scenario.
Following "Operation Iraqi Freedom," Liev Schreiber had the bright idea to assign an Iraqi film student to an internship on the actor's directorial debut "Everything is Illuminated," which was being shot in Prague. The student, Muthana Mohmed, 25, turns out to be a handful and the idealistic fairy-tale scenario collapses in recriminations. Director Nina Davenport inserts herself into her documentary, which could stand as a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting too close to your subject. The film's parallels between Mohmed's travails and the Iraq war are forced, but overall this is a fascinating odyssey that never plays out in ways you would expect. Grade: B+. (Not rated.)
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