In an era when Hollywood has limited its 'political thrillers' to exploitation of Americans' fear of "the other" — terrorists from the Middle East, international bureaucrats bent on world domination, corrupt Latin American drug lords — "The Interpreter" is a breath of fresh air. Add to this an almost incredible level of political sophistication, an inspiring and relevant message, a touching and believable personalization of political themes and excellent performances by two leading stars, and you will start to understand why this traditionally harsh critic of action thrillers is so quick to excuse the platitudes on which director Sydney Pollack ("Out of Africa" and "The Firm") occasionally stumbles. This is a film that, despite its hiccups, every American voter should see. Perhaps because of those trite bits, many will see it; the film netted more than $25 million its opening weekend.
"The Interpreter" is the first film ever to be shot in the United Nations building, despite dozens of past requests by high-profile cinematic endeavors. The film's ringing endorsement of international law and diplomacy clearly shows why the administrators of the New York Secretariat were inclined to make an exception. When career translator Sylvia Broome (Nicole Kidman) overhears a plan to assassinate Zuwanie (Earl Cameron of "The Revolutionary" and "A Warm December"), the genocidal president of her African home Motobo, she finds herself the target of an investigation as well as at the center of a brooding and convoluted scheme. As she struggles with her past and the ideals to which she has dedicated her life, stoic Secret Service agent Tobin Keller (Sean Penn) works against the clock to save her life and avert international catastrophe.
Despite the typically action-oriented and belief-straining exigencies of its exaggerated plot, "The Interpreter" has a large store of political sophistication and realism on which to draw. The film supports the vital relevance of a system of international institutions and law that Americans rarely understand and almost uniformly resent when they do. Furthermore, Pollack's star-studded cast delivers perfect performances even where the script is lacking, compelled, it would seem, by their personal identification with the high-minded goals of this unusual thriller. Even if it does nothing more than comfort admirers of international law, provoke its skeptics, educate those who are neither and provide fun, nail-biting entertainment to all, this slightly unbelievable, somewhat trite action film has exceeded my greatest expectations for it. For a fun and informative evening, consider a trip to the UA Movies at Market Fair on Route 1 where this film shows daily at 1:10, 4:15, 7:30 and 10:20 p.m. for $6.50 with a student ID.
Read More
Princeton Zoning Board of Adjustment approves renovations to Tower and Charter Clubs
Sena Chang and Isaac BernsteinOn March 27, the Municipality of Princeton’s Zoning Board of Adjustment approved construction developments for Tower Club and Charter Club. Renovations for both clubs are aimed towards improving accessibility.
On March 27, the Municipality of Princeton’s Zoning Board of Adjustment approved construction developments for Tower Club and Charter Club. Renovations for both clubs are aimed towards improving accessibility.
Students support local businesses with new platform Zage
Jack AllenAfter hearing about the struggles faced by a number of these restaurants after students left campus in mid-March, Dilbagi created Zage, an online platform that allows community members to send money to local businesses now to redeem as credits on their purchases in the future.
This fall, go beyond the 'Bubble'
Dora ZhaoEven though classes are picking up, weekends are the perfect time for students to escape the Orange Bubble. While going out to eat on Nassau is enjoyable, there is so much to see beyond Princeton. For those looking for a day trip or a chance to explore the area outside of Princeton, here is a list of ideas to do this fall.