The Interpreter

Review by Sylvia Allewelt

Set in New York City (impressively, the first movie to be filmed inside the United Nations building), Nicole Kidman's latest stars the former sheet-sharer of Tom Cruise as as Silvia Broome, a UN interpreter who overhears an assassination plot.

The hit's on Dr. Edmond Zuani, the liberator-turned-tyrant from her home country of Motobo. Seems Zuani is scheduled to make a speech defending his dubious record as leader in front of the UN assembly, most of whom want to bring charges against Zuani as a war criminal.

When Silvia tells the authorities what she heard, the UN enlist a sceptical secret service agent, Tobin Keller (Sean Penn) to investigate whether Silvia’s telling the truth - after all, overhearing a plot to kill this tyrant seems more than a coincidence!

Dr. Zuani’s rivals, Kuman-Kuman (George Harris), who lives in New York City and Ajene Xola (Curtiss I' Cook), have banded together as they both want Zuani out. So who is behind this threat of assassination?

Tobin and Silvia’s initial meeting has them wary of each other; their dialogue has a peppery sparseness that gives promise of interesting things to come. But as their respective back stories of trauma and grief are unravelled, the chemistry between them doesn’t evolve much past hopeful glances and a hug.

As Dr. Zuani’s arrival to New York City approaches, the film’s pace steps-up, with conspiracy twists and turns and some great suspenseful, action-packed scenes. Unfortunately, the conclusion falls a bit flat after the build-up.

Thankfully, the actors are all as solid as ever. Nicole Kidman brings a cool detachment to the character of Silvia Broome, mixing subtle glimmers of what is rattling her cage just beneath the surface. Sean Penn continues to add wonderful richness and depth to his roles.

Tobin Keller's recent personal tragedy creates fissures in his normally professional, no-nonsense demeanour. The supporting cast includes Catherine Keener (Being John Malkovich) as Tobin Keller’s partner, Dot Woods. Keener doesn’t get enough time onscreen for my liking, as we don't get to know her work-weary agent with the dry wit as much as we'd like.

It might dip towards the end, but when it's Sidney Pollack directing an action thriller with top-notch actors, it seems like a minor injustice.

3.5 out of 5

The Interpreter
Australian release: Thursday 14th of April, 2005
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Sean Penn, Catherine Keener, Max Minghella, Jesper Christensen, Maz Jobrani, Tsai Chin.
Director: Sydney Pollack.
Website: Click here.

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