The Interpreter

-Directed by: Sydney Pollack

Starring:
Nicole Kidman - Silvia Broome
Sean Penn - Tobin Keller


When I first started seeing this movie advertised in trailers, I have to admit I was curious. I'm a fan of the always watchable Nicole Kidman, but Sean Penn has been known to irritate me so badly that it's almost painful. I'm not sure what it is about him. He's just not one of my favorites. I'd like to apologize to Mr. Penn for that: I may have underestimated you. This movie is one good reason why. Directed by Sydney Pollack, who is a hands down master of intrigue, this movie is just amazing for more than a few reasons. One of the first is the location. Shot inside the United Nations, you get a real sense of the power held in one building. Pollack is quick to give the audience a real feel for the scope of it, and how one person can almost get lost in the shuffle of it all. Add to that the smart casting of Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn, and you've got yourself a movie.

The movie focuses on Silvia Broome, who is an African born interpreter at the U.N. When she hears a death threat to one of the leaders of her native continent, that brings her in contact with Penn's character Tobin Keller. Both view the world completely differently, and part of the real intelligence of this film is how they interact. You're not shortchanged in dialogue thanks to the direction of Pollack, and Penn and Kidman are such electric presences on the screen that you are captivated. What I liked the best about this film is that it's really not an easy film. You don't get to sit back and tell yourself you know what's coming. Pollack doesn't let his viewers down like that, which is the mark of a master.

The movie does have some strong language, but it's about on par with most recent action films. There's obviously some action to it as well which is shot in such a way that you might feel your heart begin to race in a few parts. Trust me, if you're looking to be sitting just a bit closer to the edge of your seat...look no further than this film.

-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
indigojenn@earthlink.net
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