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| Movie Review: The Interpreter Alternate Title: Speaking in Tongues
Story: A well constructed, slick
looking film is always a joy to watch. Combine that with a story that
smacks of politics (mine), good acting, my favorite City as a locale
and I am a fan. Director Sydney Pollack knows how to make big movies
that keep you interested in the story and characters. UN interpreter
Sylvia Broome happens to overhear an assassination plot (once you get
over this impossible coincidence you can go with the flow) being planned
on the President of the fictitious African nation of Matobo who has
gone from a democratic savior to a genocidal dictator (insert any real
African region such as Rwanda, Uganda,
Darfur or Zimbabwe and it is not
a big stretch). How this all plays out is the thriller part.
There is great editing and camera work to maintain your interest. Inject
the CIA, FBI, unprecedented access to actual filming in the UN and you
have one entertaining film. Acting: Sean Penn is on my favorites
list. He is right on the money as the suspicious CIA operative. Nicole
Kidman is always good in her roles. It just takes me time to
get comfortable with her at the beginning of each of her films. A fine
ensemble supporting cast including the terrific Catherine Keener
as the other CIA agent. I would like to have seen more of the Penn Keener
relationship.
Predilection: I like films shot in NYC. I like films
about politics. I like thrillers, not chillers. I like Sean Penn.
Food: No time to eat when there is always a crisis
at hand.
Blatant Product Placement: Apple, Nikon, New York
City and my favorite TV station, NY1 and NY1's sweet Pat Kiernan as
himself.
Soundtrack: Interesting blend of tunes.
Opening Titles: A short, violent segment that takes
place in the fictitious country of Matobo and then a cutaway to NYC
and the titles.
Visual Art: Lots of African masks, interesting paintings
and photos.
Theater Audience: Packed for a Monday afternoon showing
at 3.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 0
Predictability Level: High (I figured it all out
fairly early on but didn't care).
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Soap Box: If you like international politics you
will enjoy some of the digs directed at real current events .I kept
imagining John Bolton as our UN Ambassador and getting a wave of nausea.
Nit Picking: The film could have been twenty minutes
shorter. Also, Nicole Kidman's hair was always in her right eye and
it was very annoying.
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen for sure. For some
of Sydney Pollack's other films try renting: The
Firm, Havana, Out of Africa, Tootsie, Absence of Malice, The Electric
Horseman, Three Days of the Condor, The Way We Were, They Shoot Horses,
Don't They?
Length: a bit over two hours
LOBO HOWLS: 8
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