Today’s quick review: The Interpreter. When Silvia Broome (Nicole Kidman), an interpreter for the United Nations, overhears a plot to kill Edmond Zuwanie (Earl Cameron), the controversial leader of the African country of Matobo, Agent Tobin Keller (Sean Penn) of the Secret Service is tasked with investigating the threat. But he begins to doubt Silvia’s story when he learns that she grew up in Matobo and bears a grudge against Zuwanie.
The Interpreter is a thriller about a planned assassination at the United Nations. Nicole Kidman stars as Silvia Broome, an interpreter who finds herself working to save the life of a man she despises. Sean Penn co-stars as Tobin Keller, a Secret Service agent still reeling from the death of his wife. The movie features strong character work, subtle acting, and a plot with plenty of twists and turns, but its serious tone won’t appeal to everyone.
The Interpreter invests heavily in its characters. Silvia is a complicated woman, torn between her troubled past and the peaceful life she has made for herself at the United Nations. Tobin is similarly conflicted, prone to distrust and still wrestling with his own grief. They come to understand each other through a series of interactions that shed light on both characters. Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn handle the delicate progression with true skill.
Nor does The Interpreter skimp on plot. The investigation is a tense, winding affair that has a good balance of hints and surprises. The mystery comes from several sources, including the unknown motives of the assassin and Tobin’s doubts about Silvia’s past. The film only has a smattering of action, but what it has is used well. There are sharper thrillers out there, but The Interpreter has enough in the way of plot and payoff to satisfy most fans.
Watch The Interpreter when you’re in the mood for a serious, well-crafted entry into the thriller genre. The movie puts more weight than usual behind its writing and acting, and its plot is solid enough to make it worth the watch. The one major caveat is that The Interpreter skews closer to drama than to action, with a serious tone and a reduced emphasis on adrenaline. Those looking for raw spectacle or escapism may want to look elsewhere.
For another thriller that deals with African politics, try The Constant Gardener. For an action-oriented thriller, try The Shooter.
6.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for strong character work and an engaging plot.