The Interpreter

I had high hopes when I set out to watch The Interpreter, a political thriller, directed by Sydney Pollack with heavyweight casting in the shape of Sean Penn and Nicole Kidman. This film, in many cases, was just what I expected it to be. After reading some reviews and previews of the film, I knew what I would be getting, a politically based thriller, a slow burner of a film with some fine acting and an array of plot twists. While some of the subsequent twists may have come across as somewhat implausible, this didn't ruin the film for me, which incidentally is the first ever film to be shot inside the UN headquarters.

Anyway, onto the plot. Nicole Kidman is Sylvia Broome, a South African Interpreter working for the United Nations, she has just had a regular day at the office when she realises she has left some belongings in her interpreting booth. When she heads back to collect her belongings, she overhears a plot to assassinate the prime minister of Matoba, a tyrant who rules through force, who is due to visit the United States for a political speech. Upon hearing this information, reports the matter to the authorities, this is where the Secret Service enter the fray, with Penn's character Tobin Keller the lead officer. Keller is a cynical old hand, mourning the loss of a recently dead wife and he is not convinced by Sylvia's story. Is Sylvia playing it straight, or is she being economical with the truth? It's Keller's job to find out as the investigation takes an array of twists and turns.

So, the burning question, is it any good? This answer will probably vary greatly depending on what type of cinemagoer you are. If you're one of the 'Fast and Furious' brigade, have a thirst for pulsating action, are impatient or struggle to follow plot twists then this film is categorically not for you. If you can enjoy slow films that gradually tell a story that relies more on quality acting, plot and character development rather than car chases and shoot outs then this is well worth a look. The film itself builds the tension and the story at a pedestrian pace so when we do get a moment of genuine tension, it does mean something, and fair play to Pollack for not resorting to cheap tricks to reel in the audience. The opening scene is both powerful and is a real eye opener to the problems and gun culture that are prevalent in poverty torn countries in Africa. This opening sequence is one of the best in the film, and at first seems misplaced, but its relevance is prevalent as the film progresses. There are also some other tension packed moments in the movie, but I won't divulge them in this review as I don't want to spoil the surprises for others who are going to see this film.

As I said earlier, some of the plot twists in this movie are a little on the unbelievable side and it is the undoubtedly the dream team casting of Kidman and Penn that provides the main reason to check this film out. The casting team for this film deserve a gold medal. Kidman is perfect as the resilient but somewhat vulnerable interpreter while no one does 'wily secret service agent' quite like Penn. The supporting cast are also all on good form with honourable mentions going to British TV regulars George Harris and Hugo Speer for small yet important parts. The acting in the film is sublime and with Pollack's subtle direction, the Interpreter is a an enjoyable and intelligent caper that is well worth the ticket price.