The visitor [videorecording] / Overture Films in association with Groundswell Productions and Participant Productions, present a Next Wednesday production ; written and directed by Tom McCarthy ; produced by Mary Jane Skalski, Michael London ; executive producers, Jeff Skoll, Ricky Strauss, Chris Salvaterra, Omar Amanat ; director of photography, Oliver Bokelberg.
Richard Jenkins, Hiam Abbass, Haaz Sleiman, Danai Gurira, Marian Seldes, Richard Kind, Michael Cumpsty. Filmed on location in New York City. Special features: Optional audio commentary by director Tom McCarthy and actor Richard Jenkins; "An inside look at The visitor" featurette; "Playing the djembe" featurette; Five deleted scenes.
Summary:
Walter Vale is a widower who teaches economics at a Connecticut university. He lives alone and is no longer motivated by his work. In New York to present a paper at a conference, he goes to the apartment that he has not visited in some time, but has kept since his wife was alive, only to discover a young couple living there. Despite their great cultural differences, Walter befriends Tarek, a Syrian citizen and drummer, and gradually builds a friendship with Esi, his girlfriend from Senegal. One day, when returning from Central Park with Walter, Tarek is arrested for jumping a stuck subway turnstile, despite the fact that he had paid. The police discover he does not have legal papers and transfer him to an immigrant detention center in Queens. Feeling responsible for and connected to Tarek, Walter decides to stay in New York to help and support him. Not hearing from her son, Tarek's mother arrives from Michigan to find out why, and she and Walter support one another while they attempt to free Tarek.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.