Review: The Interpreter (C-)

The Interpreter (2005)
Directed by Sydney Pollack
Starring Nicole Kidman, Sean Penn, Catherine Keener, Jesper Christensen
MPAA:PG-13
Grade: C-

Review by Ellyn Elm

The Interpreter has got to be the most boring thriller ever. I swear, watching my toe nails dry was more exciting. In fact, if after viewing this yawn fest feel free to come on over and we'll have ourselves a little foot festiva.

Although Nicole Kidman makes an admirable attempt at portraying a 20 something White South African activist-cum-diplomat, her character falls short in both emotional height and depth. As usual, director Sydney Pollock is blinded by his idealized vision of the colonial past. Apparently he's read one too many E.M. Forrester novels. Far be it from me to criticize our omnipotent government but honestly we all know that the US has no interest in promoting democracy - anywhere. Sean Penn is totally upstaged by his hair and Catherine Keener (whom I adore) is completely superfluous.

If you're truly interested in a totally contemporary experience of a person born into a white, priveleged, racist society do yourself a favor an read Rian Malan's "My Traitor's Heart", or "Kill the Poor" by Joel Rose. Now here's a mirror into which most of us refuse to look.