Review of The Interpreter (2005) by Yichen L — 09 Feb 2009

It's been a while since Hollywood handed out any old school thriller as well-filmed and well-produced as this one, but The Interpreter still doesn't do the trick IMO. It's got its moments, especially those with Penn in them; but generally speaking, the plot evolves predictably and the ending a tad too preachy. Kidman gives good face, but the performance she delivers is just too stiff (as usual) and kept her character at a distance from viewers' reach. I sat there admiring her beautiful blond tresses and the seemingly impressive accent, but felt no connection to her emotions whatsoever. Also, the film is ill-paced most of the time, ruining any suspense it might've built up along the way with lengthly, uninteresting conversations between Kidman and Penn.

It's not a smart thriller as they claim it to be, but rather a mediocre political drama carried by a smart marketing scheme.