2008 Woodie Awards
"A Thriller...the way its suppose to be"
Rating: 4 stars
Katrina Brown Staff Reporter
Issue date: 4/28/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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These days it can be hard to find a good thriller that doesn't suffocate you with typical movie clichés such as excessive explosions. With one exception, "The Interpreter" does an excellent job of avoiding cheap tricks and providing a unique and intelligent film.
The political theme and, seemingly, ripped-from-the-headlines affairs are perfectly portrayed in "The Interpreter," thanks to Sidney Pollack's experienced directing, and two great performances from Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn. What also benefited the film was its distinguishing location: the United Nations.
Sylvia Broome (Kidman), a U.N. interpreter, overhears a plot to assassinate the, African country, Matobo's president during his coming visit to New York. After reporting this information to the police, the Secret Service jumps immediately on the case, putting Broome in the center of the investigation. The Secret Service hire agent Tobin Keller (Penn) to find out as much about Broome as he can, as well as secretly protect her.
Broome and Keller's relationship is often rocky, as Keller is initially suspicious of Broome's claims. The more Keller finds out, the more wary he is that Broome may be involved in the conspiracy. Even with the lack of trust between the two characters, their relationship is flanked by growing intimacy.
As it is with most of life's great things, this movie has its downfalls. For instance, Pollack's lofty directing skills were diminished when he chose to use various flash back scenes, which are intended to help the viewer follow along but instead only slow down the movie. Also, the love connection between Kidman and Penn's characters is unnecessary but not destructive either.
That being said, Pollack's movie is otherwise great! It has a compelling story, sharp dialogue with superb deliverance by its actors, and a familiar Alfred Hitchcock use of building tension and creating action. "The Interpreter" is currently out in theaters, and is worthy of paying the price of the movie ticket(s) to see it now!