April 27, 2005

• WEDNESDAY MOVIE

  The Interpreter

  Out to the cineplex for a change to see a major Hollywood film, as opposed to the documentaries and foreign films I usually am watching at home on DVD. I was looking forward to this one because thrillers are my favorite genre, and Kidman and Penn are two actors I enjoy (well, Kidman reluctantly – just a bit too much ice queen). Her role is African-born U.N. interpreter Silvia Broome, who inadvertently overhears a death threat against an African head of state scheduled to address the United Nation’s General Assembly. Sean Penn is Tobin Keller, the federal agent charged with protecting the interpreter, who nonetheless suspects she may not be telling the whole truth. Catherine Keener, master of droll humor, plays a secondary role. And Sydney Pollack directed (and plays a bit part). So I wasn’t disappointed. This isn’t one of those Academy Awards major message films, but it’s fast-paced, well-acted, and the cinematography is ace. What I didn’t think of till I got there was that it would remind me of my years-ago stint in the English Typing Unit at the United Nations in my 20’s. I worked the night shift and sat in a huge bank of typewriters for 8 hours at a time typing reports from the General Assembly sessions but I still recall the little plaza in front so clearly and the shining hallways and the foreign languages being spoken, though the traffic was less at that hour. I think I’ve heard that this is the first time a film had scenes shot inside the UN building. The plot is kind of standard actually but it has enough twists and turns to keep your close attention. Interesting combination – Kidman and Penn. She towers over him but he can hold his own. Both are clearly actors who are serious and improving with age. Enjoy.
  

  ---

  Deep Thought: “If I had the time to sit down and write a thank-you note to everyone who sent me a nice, expensive present, what a wonderful would that would be!”
  Today I am grateful for: Irises
  Guess the Movie: “ I woke up this morning, kept thinking about Billy and I was thinking about him waking up in his room with his little clouds all around that I painted and I thought I should have painted clouds downtown because then he would think that he was waking up at home. I came here to take my son home. And I realized he already is home.” Answer: Kramer vs. Kramer, 1979. Winner: thenarrator.
  World Terror Attacks Tripled in 2004 by U.S. Count
  by Arshad Mohammed
  WASHINGTON — The U.S. count of major world terrorist attacks more than tripled in 2004, a rise that may revive debate on whether the Bush administration is winning the war on terrorism, congressional aides said on Tuesday. (Rest of article here.)
  End of Day Thursday: 9:20 pm
  + = Catching up on yardwork.
  - = Hands look like a dirt farmer.

  • 8:45 am
  • 13 Comments