East End Muslim cabbie Mahmud (Omid Djalili) finds out after his mother’s death that he’s Jewish and his true name is Solly Shimshillewitz. As an easy-going Muslim family man this revelation creates two problems: firstly he needs to find his father and secondly he must keep his true identity a secret to support his son’s proposed marriage. In fact he needs to pretend to be a devout Muslim to hoodwink the future in-laws, particularly the father (Yigal Naor) a firebrand cleric from Pakistan.
This is broad humour, where farcical set-ups give full rein to the comedic paradox of being a Jewish Muslim. Omid Djalili’s very physical performance is perfect for the hapless Mahmud, while Richard Schiff’s (Lenny Goldberg) one-liners provide a perfect counterpoint. This is Josh Appignanesi’s second feature film as director. His first film Song of Songs (2006) was a serious psychological examination of religious desire. Religion remains the theme but there the similarities stop.
The Infidel is an indie film that appeals to the mainstream audience. Taking David Baddiel’s script the director explores sensitive material in a way some might find controversial, but does so with a light directorial touch using humour to give a message of mutual tolerance.
Cracking, joyful and instructive, the film is already certain… to be the summers funniest film. Appignanesi jumps, in one beautifully executed move, to join the front rank of new British directors. His timing is perfect, his feel for the rhythm of moral action is bracing, and I hope he goes on to make a ton of interesting movies. Andrew OHagan, The Evening Standard.
Startlingly, for this second project, Appignanesi shifts gear for something more confrontational and taboo-busting… a broad comedy that gleefully and repeatedly stamps on the tender toes of liberal correctness. Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian.
Its very funny even metaphysical… Sight gags abound. Variety. The two leads make a terrific comic team, with Djalili’s deadpan style of physical humor perfectly complementing Schiff’s hilarious, fast-paced wisecracking. Hollywood Reporter.
