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 THE
INTERPRETER (2005)
Universal Pictures
By Brenda Cowan
Sydney Pollak has presented us with an adult,
intelligent drama. Yes, The Interpreter is intelligent--it uses
big words and everything. Unlike my review, unfortunately.
The Interpreter is an interesting whodunit set within
the walls of the United Nations building. The plot twists and turns much
like the corridors of the famed structure. The story briefly: Silvia Broome
(Nicole Kidman) is an interpreter at the United Nations; she is originally
from an embattled nation somewhere in Africa. One night, after a bomb
scare, she re-enters the sound chambers of the interpreter's level to
retrieve her belongings left behind earlier that day. Silvia overhears
a threat directed at the unpopular president of her native country. From
there the plot threads twist and the characters become entangled in each
other's deceptions and fears. Tobin Keller (Sean Penn) is assigned to
the case to unravel the mystery and determine if Ms. Broome is a liar,
a threat or a victim.
I can honestly say I found the entire film entertaining. It's not the
best whodunit I've ever seen and I did figure out most of the
plot twists way before the end of the film, but I was enthralled enough
by the characters on the screen to keep my interest going. And today that
is, I am sorry to say, a big plus for a film.
Kidman plays Silvia with a sense of fear and strength all rolled into
one. She's not afraid to face what is happening all around her and the
very real threats to her life, but she is also vulnerable enough that
she doesn't come off as some over-the-top superwoman. Penn's character
is very flawed; he just recently suffered a serious tragedy in his personal
life which allows him to be very sympathetic towards Silvia, yet he maintains
a professional demeanor. He is the lead agent, after all, and the boss.
The intrigue of the politics of nations pretending to be civilized towards
one another is reflected but not explored enough, though. The corruption
of total power is the basis of the story, but I could have used more exploration
of the subject matter. I felt we needed more depth to President Zuwanie
(the threatened head of state) and a clearer background to understand
how he allowed himself and his country to deteriorate to such an extent.
Earl Cameron as President Zuwanie gives an wonderful performance, but
he is not given enough to do. You could see in his eyes that there is
so much more there. But this is a thriller and not a political exposé,
and though the backstory lacks depth, Kidman is able to fill in her character
with her own emotional range.
I can honestly recommend going to see this film. It's entertaining and
Kidman and Penn are great. The supporting cast is intriguing and yes,
Pollak himself is in the film--wouldn't be a Sydney Pollak film if he
didn't cast himself!
This is the first movie to be allowed to film inside the United Nations,
which gives it that sense of authenticity. Until the big blockbusters
start hitting the screens, I say check it out and maybe you'll learn a
few new words from your friendly interpreter!
Get
Interpreter-ed Here
Universal Pictures
Director: Sydney Pollak
Screenwriters: Charles Randolph, Scott Frank and Steven
Zaillian
Starring: Nicole Kidman (Silvia Broome), Sean Penn (Tobin
Keller), Catherine Keener (Agent Dot Woods), Jesper Christensen (Nils
Lud), Yvan Attal (Philippe), and Earl Cameron (Edmund Zuwanie)
Running Time: 2 hours, 8 Minutes
Rated: PG-13
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