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Grade
Content Grade:
A
Sound Grade:
A
Extras Grade:
A
Picture Grade:
A
Specs
Universal Studios Home Entertainment/The Interpreter Web page Anamorphic widescreen 2.35:1 Dolby digital 5.1,English, Spanish, French Subtitles in English, French and Spanish 129 minutes, color, 2004 Rated PG-13
Review
Sydney Pollack's latest film is a gripping thriller with dynamic performances from stars Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn. Pollack also plays a small role in the film, which was the first film ever allowed to film inside the United Nations. That alone is an accomplishment but this film is superior in all aspects.
Nicole Kidman plays "The Interpreter", who overhears a planned assassination attempt of an African dictator slated to address the general assembly. When she reports what she heard she is introduced to Penn, who is dealing with a personal tragedy. As he investigates Kidman, he discovers that she is not just an innocent but has strong political feelings about the African leader. Penn must try to unravel her real motivations and if she is a suspect in the case. Its is high drama which will keep you guessing throughout the film and a taut political thriller of contemporary issues. Kidman is in top form as usual; her acting abilities shine as do Penn's, who is subtly intense throughout the film.
Picture and Sound
A beautiful widescreen picture captures the sets, including the United Nations building, as filming inside takes place in the general assembly and the security council. Action sequences capture the essence of the moment and the results are very entertaining. Dolby 5.1 sound is up to its usual high quality standards and is offered in English, French and Spanish.
Extras
Extras on the disc include some unusual and fascinating features. There is an alternate ending, a few deleted scenes and Pollack is featured in most longer featurettes. He explains the film in greater detail in "From Concept to Cutting Room" and effectively explains and demonstrates why he chose to use the widescreen format for this and future films. He loaths Pan and Scan and I agree. A special segment shows how he got the U.N. building as a set, which had never been done before and needed approval from the U.N. adminstration. There is also a fascinating look at the life of real interpreters and their job at the U.N.
Summary
An excellent political thriller, which will have you on the edge of your seat throughout. Acting is superb and the script intelligent and fast paced. Extras provide a refreshing alternative to what you may be used to and Pollack seems to have totally embraced widescreen filming and the DVD format. A great film that combines entertainment and contemporary issues.
