Ensofter Overrated and overhyped

ShangLuda Admirable film.

InformationRap This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

Griff Lees Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

SnoopyStyle Silvia Broome (Nicole Kidman) is an UN interpreter. She overhears two men discussing a mysterious plot in an African language. "The Teacher will never leave this room alive." Allege war criminal Matobo president Edmond Zuwanie is coming to address the UN General Assembly. She becomes convinced that the threat is against Zuwanie and tells the UN security. U.S. Secret Service Tobin Keller (Sean Penn) and Dot Woods (Catherine Keener) are assigned to protect Zuwanie and they investigate Silvia. It turns out that her family suffered under Zuwanie and she is connected with the opposition.This starts as an interesting thriller with the UN as a backdrop. The political intrigue is somewhat engrossing like a murky 70s thriller. Kidman is cold and Penn is a bit unstable. I wish his character is the protagonist and the audience can unravel the intrigue from the outside. Kidman's character is better with mystery. The movie should keep some distance from her. The audience should keep guessing about her. I do have a few questions about the ending and it drags on a bit too long. It should probably use an alternate ending.

fanbaz-549-872209 The film opens with a string of worn out Hollywood director's clichés - the man with a camera taking a snap and we see it in black and white - and they carry in predictable fashion on to the end, which couldn't come quickly enough for me. I watched this movie on DVD so got no wide screen to help it from limping from one dumb idea to the next. Hitchcock never took liberties with film. Things always got placed in the right spot. His dramas were high blown but they never came across as that. The more you try to be clever in movies the harder you have to work to keep the audience believing it the action. There are some who consider Ms Kidman has talent. I don't and there is no sign of it here. Just mannerisms. The same goes with Penn. A truly terrible movie.

g-bodyl The Interpreter is a tense, taut, and tight thriller that grabs your attention from the opening scene. I was surprised at the fairly mediocre reviews because it's way better than that. It's nothing new and the story/script is a little weak, but the acting is incredibly strong and the film itself is very engaging and interesting to say the least.Sydney Pollack's film is about a U.N interpreter from Africa, Silvia who overhears a plot to assassinate the president of Matobo. After she reports the plot, she is named as a suspect and is kept a close eye on by Tobin Keller who works for the Secret Service. But Silvia is about to find out her own world may be crashing in on her.The acting is very strong and that is a highlight of the film. Sean Penn easily distinguishes himself with each movie and is very good and has a strong screen presence. Nicole Kidman, with her slight trace of an African accent, is also very good and I find this role to be one o her best.Overall, this is a political thriller that will keep you on the tightropes. It may not offer anything new, but it does offer some entertainment and a story worth remembering. This film is also known as Sydney Pollack's last film and I find this film to be a worthy example of all the wonderful films he made. As thrillers go, it doesn't get any more entertaining than this. I rate this film 9/10.

kalibeans The reason I gave this movie a higher rating than most is because I feel Kidman and Penn did an outstanding job with their parts. I have the same problem with the script as everyone else, it was not believable in so many parts. But it's actually one of my favorite Kidman roles. I think she did a wonderful job with Silvia, better even than The Hours performance that garnered her the Oscar. It's an enjoyable movie, well shot. Pollack always does a good job with that. He was gone too soon. The supporting characters, both the ones that played Americans and the Africans gave good performances as well, especially Keener. Another added plus was the filming being done inside the actual UN building. I always consider it a plus when directors care enough to take the time and expense to shoot on location instead of totally in a studio. It adds to the fiber of a film. Well worth a watch!!