Where was A Hologram for the King filmed?
2016
City Locations
Rabat (Morrocco); Hurghada (Egypt); Berlin, Düsseldorf (Germany)
Location Types
Hospital, Museum, Beauty/Spa
Location Styles
Beachfront, Beach House, Moroccan, Retreat, Resort, Modern Building, Foreign, Desert
About A Hologram for the King
Step into a world of stark realities, personal reinvention, and cultural collision with the 2016 film A Hologram for the King. Directed by the acclaimed Tom Tykwer, the film showcases an impeccable cast featuring the ever-charismatic Tom Hanks, the versatile Sidse Babett Knudsen, the seasoned Tom Skerritt, and the captivating Sarita Choudhury.
The plot is a stirring narrative of a washed-up corporate salesman, Alan Clay (Tom Hanks); after several personal and professional setbacks, Clay is sent to Saudi Arabia to pull off a business deal as his last hail mary. The film delves into Clay's struggles with his past mistakes, the unraveling of his life back home, and the unexpected hurdles in an unfamiliar environment. Additionally, it draws attention to the clash of cultures and the challenges a Westerner faces within the Saudi Arabian landscape.
As Clay's efforts to close a deal keep hitting roadblocks, he finds solace in a budding relationship with Zahra (Sarita Choudhury), a local doctor. In a twist of poetic irony, Clay's business proposition might fall through, but he successfully navigates the labyrinth of personal growth, self-discovery, and emotional connection, which becomes his real triumph.
Despite the lack of specific awards, A Hologram for the King is a compelling testament to the human spirit's resilience, the power of relationships, and the pursuit of personal redemption. Hanks, known for his potent performance, doesn't disappoint as he embodies the character's desperation, perseverance, and evolving perspective.
A Hologram for the King Locations
A Hologram for the King provides a cinematic journey that traverses diverse landscapes, from the bustling cities of Germany to the vast expanses of the Sahara desert in Morocco and the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The production began in early 2014 and saw cast and crew working in remarkable locations, each offering its unique charm and challenges.
Most scenes were filmed in Morocco, specifically in a remote stretch of the Sahara desert untouched by Hollywood's lens until then. Here, amidst relentless sandstorms and rare rainfalls, director Tom Tykwer and his team created their own cinematic oasis, encapsulating the grandeur of Saudi-style opulence amidst an austere desert backdrop.
The film also boasts scenes shot in the holy city of Mecca; although non-Muslims are typically prohibited from entering, let alone filming, in this sacred city, the team ingeniously adhered to the rules by having a Muslim crew film in Jeddah and Mecca. However, the scenes involving lead actor Tom Hanks were filmed back in Morocco, cleverly creating the illusion of continuity.
In addition to these locations, filming also took place in Hurghada, Egypt, and the German cities of Berlin and Düsseldorf, each adding their own distinctive flavor to the film's rich visual tapestry.
Considering the vast array of scenic locales used in A Hologram for the King, a trip following the film's footsteps would be worthwhile. From the stark beauty of the Moroccan desert to the vibrant cities of Germany and the historical richness of Mecca, each location presents a unique cultural and visual experience, much like the film itself.
The Saint City visit scene in A Hologram for the King
The Clock Towers, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
In this scene, Alan Clay (Tom Hanks) arrives in the city; this moment is beautifully captured with aerial shots of the Clock Towers and the sprawling Muslim city beneath. The soaring towers, part of the King Abdulaziz Endowment Project, are imposing on the Mecca skyline, symbolizing the city's modernization efforts to cater to its pilgrims.
This scene is particularly notable as it was shot in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, a location usually off-limits for non-Muslims, especially for film production. However, director Tom Tykwer managed to secure a general filming permit, although acted scenes were not permitted to be filmed in the city. Despite these restrictions, the crew navigated this challenge by ensuring that only Muslim team members were present during the filming in Mecca.
The Makkah Clock Royal Tower is at the heart of the King Abdulaziz Endowment Project; this architectural wonder ranks globally as the fourth-highest building and the sixth-tallest freestanding structure. This magnificent edifice is home to the Clock Tower Museum, which occupies its top four floors. Visitors can tour the clock tower and the observation deck for a panoramic view of Mecca, offering a unique vantage point to appreciate the city's blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation.
To visit this iconic location, one must be aware that Mecca is a holy city in Saudi Arabia, accessible only to Muslims. If eligible, you can travel by air to the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, the nearest airport to Mecca; from there, you can take a taxi or public transportation to reach Mecca, which is approximately 100 kilometers away. Once in the city, the Clock Towers are easily accessible due to their central location.
The conversation with the driver scene in A Hologram for the King
Rabat, Morocco
Alan (Tom Hanks) oversleeps due to jet lag on his first day. This leads him to miss his shuttle bus and rent a car for his sales presentation. His chauffeur, Yousef (Omar Elba), confided in him about a personal crisis. He's involved with a woman whose affluent and possessive husband's jealousy has instilled fear for his own life.
This memorable scene was filmed in the historic city of Rabat, Morocco. What sets A Hologram for the King apart is its innovative use of Moroccan locations typically unseen in cinema and post-production effects that merge separate locations into a single shot.
The scene combines elements from different locations - the little cabin and a black tent are in Laayoune, while the building in the background is in Rabat. Other buildings on this 'virtual' construction site include the Hassan II Mosque and the development site Casa Marina, both in Casablanca.
Visiting Rabat to see these filming locations requires careful planning. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rabat is rich in history and culture, boasting more monuments and historic places than Casablanca.
Depending on your location, you may need to fly into Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca or Rabat-Sale Airport. You can hire a taxi from the airport or use public transportation to reach the city center. Once in the city, many of the film's locations, including the Hassan II Mosque and Casa Marina, are easily accessible.
Alan goes to the hospital scene in A Hologram for the King
Institut Royal de la Culture Amazighe, Avenue Allal El Fassi, Rabat, Morocco
Alan Clay (Tom Hanks) wakes up covered in blood from a cut and finds himself in a hospital where he meets his doctor, Zahra (Sarita Choudhury). Their encounter sparks an immediate connection, and she performs a biopsy on him, asking him to return in a few days.
This scene was filmed at the Institut Royal de la Culture Amazighe in the city of Rabat in Morocco. This scholarly establishment, inaugurated by a royal order from King Mohammed VI in 2001, is committed to advancing the Berber languages and culture. It leads the charge in fostering the growth of Standard Moroccan Amazigh and integrating it into the curriculum of Morocco's public education system.
If you're interested in visiting this location, it's important to note that prior contact with the administration may be required. Depending on your starting point, you may need to fly into Rabat-Salé Airport or Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca. You can take a taxi or public transportation from there to the city center.
In Rabat, you have two options for visiting the site: taking a taxi or a bus. However, renting a car and exploring all the filming sites in one go is highly recommended. This way, you can make the most of your visit and have a seamless experience.
The Danish embassy pool party scene in A Hologram for the King
Liquidrom, Möckernstraße 10, 10963 Berlin, Germany
There is a distinct scene where the main character, Alan (Tom Hanks), makes no progress over several days. Hanne (Sidse Babett Knudsen) then invites him to a party at the Danish consulate; despite her attempts, she fails to seduce him.
This memorable party scene was filmed at Liquidrom in Berlin, a renowned public spa known for its immersive audiovisual art exhibition. Visitors can unwind in the 36°C warm salt water, mesmerized by an elaborate light show projected from three sides. The ambiance is further enhanced by lounge-like sounds that echo even underwater, providing a truly immersive experience.
If you want to visit this location, you can fly to Berlin Brandenburg Airport. You can rent a car or take a taxi to the city center from there. Once in Berlin, Liquidrom is easily accessible via public transportation, such as the U-Bahn (subway), getting off at Möckernbrücke station.
Zahra's beach house scene in A Hologram for the King
Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
Alan (Tom Hanks) and Zahra (Sarita Choudhury) are driven to Zahra's beach house; they go swimming in the serene waters, a moment that marks a shift in Clay's journey. He writes to Kit (Tracey Fairaway), revealing that although the deal he pursued was unsuccessful, he has accepted a well-paying job in Saudi Arabia.
This scene and other underwater sequences were filmed in Hurghada on Egypt's beautiful Red Sea coast. Known for its breathtaking coral reefs, Hurghada is a beach resort city stretching over 24 miles along the coast. It's a popular destination renowned for scuba diving, with numerous dive shops and schools in its modern Sekalla district.
Hurghada offers a vibrant nightlife with many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. The old town, El Dahar, provides a taste of traditional Egypt with its coffee shops and souks. The city's long stretch of sandy beach is lined with resort hotels, making it a tourist hotspot.
You would likely fly into Hurghada International Airport to get to this location. From there, the city center is easily accessible by taxi, public transportation, or hotel transfer.
Conclusion
A Hologram for the King is a compelling blend of comedy and drama that takes the audience on an unforgettable journey through diverse landscapes and profound existential crises. Hanks' performance is compelling and multi-faceted, embodying the essence of an everyman caught in the throes of a personal and professional crisis. His portrayal of a man grappling with his past while navigating an unpredictable future is relatable and thought-provoking, confirming his status as a central figure in American film acting.
Based on Dave Eggers's best-seller, the script effectively translates the novel's existential themes onto the screen, although it sometimes falls into predictable patterns. The narrative initially captivates with its circular structure and intriguing metaphors but eventually transitions into a more linear journey of self-discovery, losing some of its earlier complexity.
The filming locations in A Hologram for the King significantly contribute to the film's overall appeal. From the sweeping deserts of Morocco and the bustling streets of Hurghada, Egypt, to the urban landscapes of Berlin and Düsseldorf, Germany, each setting adds a unique dimension to the story and enhances the overall viewing experience.
In conclusion, A Hologram for the King is a film that captivates with its nuanced performances, intriguing narrative, and stunning locations. While it may not be without its flaws, its strengths make it a worthwhile addition to the canon of contemporary American cinema. The film's locations, particularly the remote stretches of the Moroccan desert, offer a fascinating glimpse into regions rarely portrayed in mainstream cinema and would make for an exciting travel itinerary.