The Interpreter (2005)

One of the best movies ever, no doubt.

Inspiring characters full of character and real humanity and insight. Plus a brilliantly portrayed and very original story. Definitely a must see in my opinion. December 22, 2008

This is something that you could have imagined actually happening

It's a story that happens all the time in Sub-Saharan Africa. Some corrupt government comes to power and executes its opponents.

This is worth a rental, but not a purchase.

The acting was decent. One big goof was that it looked like Africans from several different parts of the continent were used and it showed. (People from one region tend to favor one another in spite of the fact that they are from different tribes.) November 27, 2008

Hearing What's Behind the Voice

Director Sydney Pollack creates a well-crafted thriller in his film, The Interpreter. Tapping into the global paranoia of a post 9/11 world, the story acts as both a standard political thriller and a rallying call for peace through better communication. The screenplay was written by Charles Randolph, Scott Frank, and Steven Zaillian.

When Silvia Broome, an interpreter for the United Nations, overhears a conversation concerning a plot to kill a controversial political leader from Africa, she is thrust into a dangerous world of international intrigue. When she reports what she's heard, no one believes her. When a government agent named Tobin Keller is assigned to uncover the validity of the potential threat, he at first disbelieves Silvia's story... until she herself becomes a target. Then Tobin, who recently lost his wife in an automobile accident, begins to bond with Silvia, who herself has a tragic past and is very familiar with loss. As it becomes clear that there really is a plot, Tobin and Silvia must rely on one another in order to find out who is behind the conspiracy. But the more that Tobin learns of Silvia's past the more apparent it becomes that it was no coincidence that she overheard the conversation to begin with. Is Silvia involved in the plot or was she targeted from the start? And can Tobin protect her from the many dangers that they now face?

The film stars Nicole Kidman as Silvia Broome and Sean Penn as Tobin Keller. The supporting cast is filled out by Catherine Keener, Jesper Christensen, Yvan Attal, Earl Cameron, George Harris, Hugo Speer, and Curits l'Cook. Director Pollack also has an uncredited role as Chief Jay Pettigrew. The entire cast gives great performances, and Kidman, in particular, gives a powerful sense of loss and moral confusion.
While the film may not be Pollack's most impressive directorial effort, it is a remarkable written and acted film with some surprising twists. Unlike most thrillers of this kind, the two main characters never consummate their relationship in a sexual manner. Instead the screenplay allows Kidman and Penn to give subtle performances with nuance and believability. What makes The Interpreter so suspenseful is that we, as an audience, are given time to become emotionally invested in the characters as they are tested emotionally, physically, and morally.
Also adding to the believability of the film is the fact that many scenes were actually shot at the United Nations, which had never before allowed a commercial film to shoot within their walls. So in a way, Sydney Pollack has made movie history by earning permission to film there.

The DVD includes an alternate ending, deleted scenes, Sydney Pollack at Work: From Concept to Cutting Room featurette, Interpreting Pan & Scan vs. Widescreen featurette, The Ultimate Movie Set: The United Nations featurette, and an insightful audio commentary by Pollack.

Also recommended:
Nick of Time
The Bourne Trilogy
Collateral
Crash
Lord of War
Syriana
The Constant Gardener
The Last King of Scotland
Babel
Michael Clayton November 24, 2008

Exciting Suspense Thriller!!

Normally, I am not fond of Nicole Kidman's acting abilities, but in this movie, I was pretty impressed with her skills in playing the part of Sylvia Broome a multilingual interpreter at the United Nations.

Sylvia Broome overhears a death threat against a controversial African leader, but is unable to identify the speaker due to the circumstances. She reports what she hears only to have the Secret Service not believe what she has to say. In fact, the Secret Service thinks Sylvia Broome may be a part of the plot her self as she has a reason not to like African political leader.

Sean Penn plays the part of Tobin Keller and is assigned to investigate Sylvia Broome to see if what she has to say has any merit what so ever. The movie becomes a fast paced, suspenseful, political thriller and is fun to watch! September 24, 2008

The Interpreter

A modern day thriller; a story about greed and terrorism with a background of grief and loss. Acting is excellent. June 23, 2008

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