Thursday, June 09, 2005
THE INTERPRETER
Featuring: Sean Penn, Nicole Kidman
Brief Synopsis: An interpreter working at the United Nations hears a plot to assassinate an African head of state. A secret service agent has to work out if she is telling the truth.
Comments: What a week. Again another film with strong character performances! Yet again the plot takes a backseat, and although it is of course necessary to drive the film onwards, it is the South African accented Nicole and the strong, fairly silent Sean who will burn most brightly in the memory when you step out of the cinema. Whilst Nicole changes from an initially strong to vulnerable character, I feel that Sean Penn does an even better job as he slowly reveals his humane side to her after questioning her story and motives at the beginning.
Whilst the plot is slightly ropy (you always know this is the case when the person you watched it with asks, "why did that person do that" or "how did that person know that" and you have to pause and think for a long time before coming up with a reply), the setting of The Interpreter in the United Nations actual building helps to add realism to the whole setting. Of course, the various difficult situations in certain African countries (no, I can't name them!) also add a element of realism to the plot - although not wholly convincing (surely the said country is in a bit of bother if all the main prospective leaders are dead/in prison!). But the tension does build up nicely and when it gets to the bus scene - don't tell me, you weren't getting twitchy at that moment!
Things to learn from this film: Always check to see if there are light bulbs before you switch press the light switch. Bathrooms seem to be ideal places to hide guns too.
Rating: 6.5 /10
Featuring: Sean Penn, Nicole Kidman
Brief Synopsis: An interpreter working at the United Nations hears a plot to assassinate an African head of state. A secret service agent has to work out if she is telling the truth.
Comments: What a week. Again another film with strong character performances! Yet again the plot takes a backseat, and although it is of course necessary to drive the film onwards, it is the South African accented Nicole and the strong, fairly silent Sean who will burn most brightly in the memory when you step out of the cinema. Whilst Nicole changes from an initially strong to vulnerable character, I feel that Sean Penn does an even better job as he slowly reveals his humane side to her after questioning her story and motives at the beginning.
Whilst the plot is slightly ropy (you always know this is the case when the person you watched it with asks, "why did that person do that" or "how did that person know that" and you have to pause and think for a long time before coming up with a reply), the setting of The Interpreter in the United Nations actual building helps to add realism to the whole setting. Of course, the various difficult situations in certain African countries (no, I can't name them!) also add a element of realism to the plot - although not wholly convincing (surely the said country is in a bit of bother if all the main prospective leaders are dead/in prison!). But the tension does build up nicely and when it gets to the bus scene - don't tell me, you weren't getting twitchy at that moment!
Things to learn from this film: Always check to see if there are light bulbs before you switch press the light switch. Bathrooms seem to be ideal places to hide guns too.
Rating: 6.5 /10
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