The Interpreter

From the previews, I was of the assumption that this film would be a somewhat above-average thriller (thanks to its actors and director). However, I was still impressed at its quality when I watched it. The film is definitely one of the more intelligent thrillers I've seen and many of the scenes are well-acted and well-written enough to have appeared in a drama. The "thrilling" sequences do not come often, as director Pollack seems to have gone for a gradual uncovering of the truth. When he does want to ratchet up the tension, though, it's done expertly. My grade: B+

Synopsis: Political intrigue and deception unfold inside the United Nations, where a US Secret Service agent is assigned to investigate an interpreter who overhears an assassination plot. (via Imdb)

Director: Syndey Pollack (Three Days of the Condor)
Writers: Charles Randolph (The Life of David Gale), Scott Frank (Minority Report), Steven Zaillian (Schindler's List)
Stars: Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge), Sean Penn (Mystic River), Catherine Keener (Being John Malkovich), Earl Cameron (Thunderball), Jesper Christensen (Uprising), George Harris (Raiders of the Lost Ark), Maz Jobrani (Friday After Next), Byron Utley

Useless Trivia: The film began shooting without a complete script and the writers had to put things together as production was taking place. Both Kidman and Penn signed on to appear in the movie before a script was in place.