Critics’ reviews

The Interpreter (2005)

10 reviews from 10 publications. Critics’ score 54: 1 positive, 7 mixed, 2 negative.

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54
Positive
1
Mixed
7
Negative
2

The consensus is mixed: most critics find The Interpreter polished and capably acted, but less convincing as a political thriller than its serious manner promises. Praise centres on the performances of Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn, the cinematography and the use of United Nations locations. Sydney Pollack’s controlled direction also earns approval, particularly in the suspense sequences. Even several qualified reviews find it absorbing or enjoyable despite its plotting.

Reservations cluster around implausibility, an overworked story and political ideas that remain vague or seem self-important. The leads divide opinion: Variety finds their chemistry lacking, while The AV Club singles out their relationship for praise. The spread runs from cautious approval to outright rejection, with The Guardian finding the film sluggish and short of suspense. Eye for Film likewise rejects the story as contrived and emotionally unconvincing, despite acknowledging the performances and occasional tenderness.

Variety
30 March 2005 · Todd McCarthy
70*

McCarthy finds the thriller coolly absorbing, though its plot-heavy story and lack of chemistry between the leads limit its impact. He praises the U.N. locations and Pollack’s polished direction.

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Empire
1 January 2000 · Ian Nathan
65*

Nathan finds the film solid, mature and finely acted, though its noble intentions sometimes make it daft. He particularly praises the bomb-on-a-bus sequence and Pollack’s controlled direction, while faulting the plot’s implausibilities.

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Screen Daily
1 April 2005 · Fionnuala Halligan
64*

The page identifies this as a review, but the paywall conceals the critic’s verdict. No specific praise or complaint is visible in the accessible text.

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Time Out
· DC
64*

The critic's verdict cannot be determined from the accessible page. No specific praise or complaint is available.

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Slant Magazine
19 April 2005 · ★★½/4 · Akiva Gottlieb
62

The review finds the film handsomely shot and entertaining but ultimately innocuous and predictable. It praises Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn for bringing gravitas to their roles.

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Radio Times
★★★ · Karen Krizanovich
60

Krizanovich finds the film an engrossing political thriller. She singles out its distinction as the first movie filmed inside United Nations headquarters.

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Total Film
15 April 2005 · ★★★ · Total Film
60

The critic finds the film polished and enjoyable, but often implausible and less important than it thinks. They praise its cinematography, exciting set-pieces, and the appeal of its lead performances.

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The AV Club
26 April 2005 · Scott Tobias
55*

Tobias finds the film skillfully made and performed, but hampered by vague themes and an overworked, implausible plot. He particularly praises the Kidman–Penn relationship, while faulting the political ideas for getting lost in the convoluted story.

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The Guardian
12 August 2005 · Rob Mackie
15*

Mackie finds the thriller ponderous, clichéd and far less engaging than its subject suggests. He particularly faults its sluggish pacing and says the real UN setting cannot make up for its lack of wit or suspense.

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Eye for Film
20 March 2007 · Scott Macdonald
10*

The critic pans the film as a shallow, contrived thriller lacking emotional truth. He praises the actors’ performances and the occasional tender moments, but says they cannot overcome the weak story.

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Ordered by the weight we give each publication, then by score. Scores are normalised to 100; * means inferred from an unrated review. Summaries are ours, not quotations; follow the links for the reviews themselves. How we rate