For a film focused on dialogue, The Interpreter features a surprising 5.1 mix. Separation is superb, capturing movement as it occurs on the screen, whether in the rears or stereo channels. Bass is provided in a few sequences, and the film's sole explosion really comes alive because of it. It's not a home theater demonstration disc, but this will give audiophiles more than they expect. (****)
Extras here are decent, if under whelming. Pollack provides his own words in an active commentary track, discussing various difficulties during the shoot and the UN set-up. An alternate ending is a great highlight, and arguably should have stayed. It added an excellent cap to the film.
Three deleted scenes run just a little over two minutes, and serve their purpose as deletions. Sydney Pollack at Work will run about 10-minutes as the acclaimed director discusses his influences and career. There is some nice behind-the-scenes footage too. The Ultimate Movie Set: The United Nations is a look at the restrictions and battle to use the building for filming. This one is fun, showing what the crew needed to consider to achieve each shot, let alone be allowed in the building in the first place.
A Day in the Life of a Real Interpreter is exactly what it claims to be: a look at the actual job Nicole Kidman's character portrayed. It brings in multiple real interpreters to discuss how they do their job, and the importance of it. It's interesting if a bit dry, and runs about eight minutes.
Finally, Pollack explains the widescreen format and why it's used as it is. He picks specific portions of his film and crops them as they would be for the useless pan & scan market. His explanation is clear and precise. If you want more, you can also watch this brief interview clip in which the director explains his frustrations with the VHS market. (***)
Ramping up a rather bloated budget of $80 million, The Interpreter failed to make back its cost during its theatrical run in the US, but did quite well worldwide. It doesn't look or feel like a major movie with a budget that size. That doesn't take away from its style and characters, neither of which would be the same without the actors involved.
Article comments
1 - Triniman
Quite a disappointing film, IMHO. I wouldn't recommend it.