Director Sidney Pollack's diverse career sees him returning to familiar
ground with THE INTERPRETER. Crafted from the same mould that saw
Pollack produce the superlative political thriller THREE DAYS OF THE
CONDOR (1975), Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn star in a film riddled with
subterfuge, recriminations, and deadly secrets. Kidman plays Silvia
Broome, an interpreter who works at the UN in New York City. One night,
while collecting a bag she has left behind in the building, Silvia
overhears a whispered conversation in which an assassination attempt on a
redoubtable African leader, named Zuwanie (Earl Cameron), is planned
during his future visit to the UN. Secret service agent Tobin Keller
(Penn) is assigned to provide security for Zuwanie on the forthcoming
trip, and conducts an investigation when Silvia explains what she has
heard. He quickly discovers that Silvia has a lengthy, troubled past as a
citizen from the same country as Zuwanie, and immediately doubts her
story. A series of frantic, fast-paced set pieces ensue, with Pollack
beautifully capturing the architectural wonder of the UN, and staging
some breathtaking scenes all over the city.Much has been made of THE
INTERPRETER'S status as the first film to be shot inside the UN, and
it's to Pollack's credit that he wasn't overawed by such a prospect.
Making full use of the building, the director highlights the hustle and
bustle of a typical day at the UN, while also shooting eerily silent
late night scenes among the famous halls and corridors. As Pollack piles
on the tension, Penn and Kidman deliver exemplary performances
alongside a prodigious supporting cast, who do justice to an
intelligently written plot designed to keep viewers guessing right up
until the final moments of the film.