Review of The International (2009) by Michael C — 05 Dec 2009

The International is a smart film that?s heavy on plot, and it?s likely to really engage some, but for others all the exposition dialogue and complicated twists will simply go in one ear and out the other.

Personally I?m a little of both parties ? I found the storyline interesting enough and very relevant, however sometimes difficult to follow and this alienated me somewhat as a viewer. Clive Owen brings a vengeful edge to Louis Salinger and we feel for his cause.

Naomi Watts is solid but her character, Eleanor Whitman, feels underdeveloped. Salinger and Whitman do share an interesting chemistry and their scenes together at least allow for Salinger?s character to be expanded upon, however it isn?t substantial enough development to make a big connection with either.

Tom Tykwer, director of the stylish Run Lola Run, makes the most of the opportunity to shoot a story across a number of different locations across the world. Whether it be a shoot-out cat and mouse game at the Guggenheim Museum at Manhattan or the intense final act set along the rooftops of Istanbul, the film looks nothing short of gorgeous.