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From the very start of this DVD, seriousness is the order on which ‘The Interpreter’ firmly strives in and all manner of grown-up principles (with an emphasis on aiming its sights totally fixated on the nouns of ‘Academy Award’) causes this particular film to almost flounder immediately.
Not unique
In essence, it is a good idea, but sadly it has been achieved before and by a British director who not only allowed Audrey Hepburn to act out the role of interpreter at the United Nations but also had the rather astute name of Alfred Hitchcock.
The film was an instant classic named ‘Charade’.
Strangely enough Sydney Pollack is a very good actor, Sean Penn is also always worth a look and Nicole Kidman could probably wrestle a lone anteater with only her eyes.
Yet, for some reason of misunderstanding, ‘The Interpreter’ mopes and plods its meek way along with infinite tedium.
However, much spark and illumination is completely trodden into the carpet of the United Nations and with such forthrightness of self-importance, the concept of ‘The Interpreter’ is sadly lost, yet it is directed as honestly as possible.
Serious subject matter
Okay, granted that the subject of political assassination of an African political leader would not be filed as a humourous anecdote, yet considering the possibilities, the momentary glimpse at some point of an anteater going about its business of looking for ants and termites to feed on, may have lightened the film somewhat.
Furthermore, I am certainly not attempting here to initiate a comparison of tongue-length ratio towards Nicole Kidman or Sean Penn, or even Sydney Pollack. It is simply a known fact that a mammal with the longest snout and tongue capabilities as the anteater can survive on ants.
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Image: Phil Bray – © 2005 Universal Studios
