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The Interpreter
2005 128 min France, Germany, United Kingdom, United States of America PG-13 16+
★6.3
Crime, Thriller
Director: Sydney Pollack
Trailers
Description
After Silvia Broome, an interpreter at United Nations headquarters, overhears plans of an assassination, an American Secret Service agent is sent to investigate.
Budget:
$80M
US Gross:
$72.71M
Worldwide:
$162.94M
Starring
Nicole Kidman
Actor
Sean Penn
Actor
Catherine Keener
Actor
Awards
3 wins & 2 nominations total
Key opinion
The Interpreter is a character-driven political thriller that prioritizes emotional depth and internal struggle over traditional action set pieces. While its measured pace and focus on dialogue divide viewers, the strong performances of Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn are widely regarded as the film's greatest asset.
| Acting | Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn deliver powerful, nuanced performances that elevate the film and create compelling, understated chemistry. | |
| Production | The film effectively uses the United Nations as a symbolic and authentic backdrop, enhancing its weight and realism. | |
| Direction | Sidney Pollack’s deliberate, character-focused direction succeeds as a sophisticated drama but risks alienating viewers expecting a traditional, high-stakes thriller. | |
| Pacing | The film's slow, methodical pacing rewards those engaged in its psychological exploration, but is perceived by others as tedious or lacking in momentum. | |
| Ending | The ambiguous conclusion is viewed by some as an intellectually satisfying reflection of life's complexities, while others find it frustrating and lacking in finality. |