If there is ever a place where you have to watch what you say, it is on the world of politics. If a politician says one wrong word, it could topple an entire career due toe the incredible scrutiny. That is why every speech you ever hear is written, re-written, practiced, and then re-written again. Polish makes perfect. But it’s not just in front of the podium where your words can get you in trouble, but in the hallways… in the bathroom… anywhere. Such is the plot device of Sydney Pollack’s newest thriller, “The Interpreter.” In “The Interpreter”, Nicole Kidman stars as Silvia Broome, an interpreter for the United Nations. She accidentally overhears a threat to kill an African head of State and becomes determined to stop it. Unfortunately, she is discovered and also becomes the target of the assassins but cannot find anyone to believe her. Enter Sean Penn as Tobin Keller, a federal agent whom she tries desperately to convince.

Director Sydney Pollack is no stranger to films about plot and intrigue. One of his earlier films, 1975’s “Three Days of the Condor” is still one of my favorite ‘CIA’ flicks of all time. While I feel that “The Interpreter” is not quite the classic that film was, I still found it to be quite riveting. And what appeared to be a fairly straightforward plot ended up having quite an intricate set of twists and turns. It actually kept me guessing almost all the way to the end. But what I really liked about this film was that it wasn’t all full of nothing but chases and fights. The screenwriter really took the time to put together some intense scenes of nothing more than people talking. (This might bore the MTV crowd, but not the more intellectual of movie watcher.)

The new DVD from Universal offers up a great transfer of the film, where the detail is crystal clear. Occasionally the sound can get a little quiet, but all the dialogue comes through, which is really important in a movie like this. The DVD also has a handful of extra features, most notably the requisite commentary from Sydney Pollack. He’s a good talker, and rarely strays from the subject.

There are also a handful of deleted scenes as well as an alternate ending. This alternate ending wasn’t too different from what was used, but I can see why they made the change. You’ll also find a few featurettes that focus on (amongst other things) the challenges of filming in the real United Nations building, Pollack’s decision to film in widescreen, and a conversation with two real life interpreters.

I was originally intrigued by the trailers for “The Interpreter” back when it was released in theatres, but managed to miss it nonetheless. Now that I’ve seen it on DVD, I’m actually happier to have seen it at home where I wouldn’t have to hear members of the audience asking their friends to explain the movie to them. The suspense at times was thick enough to cut with a knife and the quiet of my living room was perfect to help sustain it.

Directed by: Sydney Pollack
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Sean Penn, Catherine Keener
Extras: Audio Commentary - Director Sydney Pollack, Alternate Ending, Deleted Scenes, Sydney Pollack at Work: From Concept to Cutting Room, Interpreting Pan & Scan vs. Widescreen, A Day in the Life of Real Interpreters, The Ultimate Movie Set: The United Nations
Specifications: Widescreen (2.35:1), Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Universal
Release Date: 10/4/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Violence, Some Sexual Content and Brief Strong Language)
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We'll give The Interpreter a B+.