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 ‘Interpreter’ dives into political waters A Review by Monique Bos Although advance publicity for “The Interpreter” emphasized the suspense elements in the plot, the film provides viewers with much more: an exploration of personal secrets, insight into international politics and the role of the United Nations, and questions about the most effective way of dealing with corrupt leaders. Nicole Kidman plays Silvia Broome, a U.N. interpreter who grew up in the African country of Matobo. When she overhears a plot to assassinate the country’s dictator, Edmond Zuwanie (Earl Cameron), she reports the information to the Secret Service. She is not prepared for the resulting scrutiny of her own past or for disturbing evidence that surfaces to indicate she may have a more active role in Matobo’s political situation than she is willing to admit. Agent Toben Keller (Sean Penn) heads up the investigation, even though he has recently experienced a personal loss that leaves his superiors wondering whether he is up for the job. He doesn’t quite trust Broome, but as he starts to understand her history and motivations, he develops a connection with her — a connection that allows some tenderness and tension but refreshingly never gives way to romance or sex between the characters. At issue isn’t just the assassination attempt on Zuwanie’s life but the validity of two different approaches to dealing with genocidal leaders: diplomacy or violence. Director Sydney Pollack contrasts the immediate results of violence with the slower process of negotiations but ultimately affirms the effectiveness of the United Nations as arbiter of peace. Pollack received unprecedented access to the U.N. for filming, and the movie benefits not only from the authenticity of the location but also from its insights into daily operations in the General Assembly. The Secret Service agents in “The Interpreter” are surprisingly human — rather than conforming to cookie-cutter navy-suit stereotypes, Keller; his partner, Dot Woods (Catherine Keener); and the rest of their crew are competent professionals who nonetheless are sometimes rumpled, perplexed and uncertain of their next move. “The Interpreter” succeeds on many levels: as an effective thriller, with plenty of suspense and plot twists; as an analysis of two characters faced with loss, anger and the choice to forgive; as a window onto political crimes and ways in which leaders manipulate their own images; and as an examination of the choices people make when faced with injustice. It’s a thought-provoking, intense and riveting film. |
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