The Interpreter (Widescreen Edition)
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Movie Reviews of The Interpreter (Widescreen Edition)
Movie Review: Say what?
Summary: 2 Stars
Nicole Kidman gives an absolutely lifeless performance as the interpreter of the title in this curiously flat Sidney Pollack film. THE INTERPRETER is unique as it is the only film ever shot on location inside the United Nations building in New York.
Kidman plays Sylvia Broome, a minority White expatriate from a politically torn racially-mixed African nation. Members of her family have died due to the violence in her native land, and other friends and relatives who have remained behind are backing one or another contender for the Presidency of the fictional country. Kidman becomes the centerpiece of a massive international investigation after she ovehears discussion of an assassination plot against the despotic President, who is scheduled to address the United Nations. Sean Penn plays the govenment agent who is assigned to simultaneously protect Kidman, foil the plot, and find out what she really knows and where she really stands.
THE INTERPRETER has all the elements to make up a grand espionage drama, but Pollack and the all-star cast fail to ignite this film. THE INTERPRETER should have worked but it doesn't, leaving it the sort of film that cries out for a remake the day shooting wraps. The story plods along at an elephantine pace; the willowy Kidman is too morally ambiguous to gain the audience's sympathy; Sean Penn is convincing but cranky. No one seems to speak over a murmur even at the most dramatic moments. The contrivance of a fictional country is far too quaint for the world-is-the-size-of-a-grape 21st century. In the end, the requisite suspense simply never builds, leaving THE INTERPRETER an intelligent, well-made, well-acted, and supremely boring film.
Movie Review: Script Needs Work
Summary: 3 Stars
The Interpreter is an extremely packaged political thriller that contains only a little punch. Unfortunately the good acting can't overcome the weak script. I felt like the story was still a 2-3 drafts short of being ready for the screen. The biggest problem was that there are plot holes you could drive a truck through. I also felt the movie dragged through most of the middle as they tried to develop the strained relationship between the principle characters. If you are a plot-driven movie fan, as I am, the movie is likely to be a disappointment.
Even though "The Interpreter" was enjoyable the ending was definitely a disappointment. It wasn't that it was necessarily wrong, just that you knew what was coming.
Movie Review: social issues movie
Summary: 4 Stars
If you enjoy movies that focus on world social issues, then you may like this movie. It is more than just a thriller. It explores the idea of fighting for peace and what can happen when it doesn't work. This movie is more for the intellectual type of person. Movie Review: Pollack's directing and editing make 'The Interpreter' worth seeing
Summary: 4 Stars
I think in many directors' hands, "The Interpreter" would be run-of-the-mill stuff. Thankfully, Sydney Pollack isn't run-of-the-mill quality. He's crafted a really suspenseful and - in my mind - realistic thriller that keeps you fully engaged throughout the entire film. [And, I might add, Pollack - as usual - acts here as well and he's as engaging on camera as he is talented behind it.]
Now, I've never been a big Nicole Kidman fan ("To Die For" aside), and the coquettish whisper in which she delivers every line in this film is certainly distracting. Thankfully, Pollack gets solid performances from Catherine Keener, Sean Pean, George Harris (on a roll after "Layer Cake") and the Danish actor Jesper Christensen. Christensen, in particular, makes the film in my estimation. Is he a good guy or a bad guy, you're never quite sure. [In fact, in the 'Deleted Scenes' on the DVD, you can see Pollack stripped out a couple of scenes that give away some of Christensen's character and motivations too early. That's a master touch because the end product keeps you guessing without losing any of the narrative drive.]
At the heart of tale woven by Pollack is the story of African dictator 'Zuwanie,' as portrayed by the regal (and then-88-year-old!!) Earl Cameron, a dictator in the Mobutu mold (colonial liberator slowly morphing to repressive, gun-toting dictator). Will he be killed on an upcoming trip to the UN (as Kidman's character has overheard) or will a staged and failed assassination attempt consolidate and strengthen his hand back home (as Harris' 'Kuman-Kuman' suggests)? Again, Pollack's editing is what keeps the balls in the air on this question and it'll keep you hooked until the end.
Movie Review: Great Actors In A Boring/Bad Movie
Summary: 2 Stars
I give it two stars for the theme of the movie and plot which is unique! Unfortunately, I had watch this movie at two different times in order to "get into it." I couldn't help but fastforward the last 30 minutes because I just wanted it to be over with!!! If no one screened this movie before it was put on DVD, it shows! I'd rather watch tv than this movie!