Interview (2007)
Interview (2007) 8/10
First up, the pairing of Steve Buscemi with Sienna Miller was a jarring, almost Beauty and the Beast-esque pairing. But strangely, it works and the two enjoy good chemistry throughout the film. What you should be aware before watching this film is that it is essentially a talkfest. Basically its just the 2 of them talking for the whole of the film’s running time. That’s all there is to the film. If you are the sort who cannot stand this sort of arthouse film, then avoid this. Otherwise, those who are willing to give this little indie flick a chance will be richly rewarded. If you enjoyed talky films such as Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise/ Before Sunset films, you will probably enjoy Interview as well. The relevation here is Sienna Miller, who displays impressive depth in her acting. Here is what one reviewer had to say about Miller:
“Miller is so good - dumb, smart, wounded, wounding, a lollipop of sweet poison that you’d buy every day until it killed you - that you feel you not only understand her but all actresses.”
And i readily concur. Steve Buscemi, who also directs and stars in the film, has always been an arthouse favourite. His acting capabilities are not in doubt here. It is instead his directorial abilities which impress and here he is able to make full use of the combative tension between the two characters to good use. This film itself may drag at some parts but overall the sharp and intelligent dialogue was good enough to keep my attention. If anything, the weakness of the film lies in its ending which tries to be mildy twisty and wrap up all the loose ends of the film. It felt artificial and the film certainly did not need such an ending. But while i may quibble on the ending and parts of the film, Interview is an engaging and worthwhile film experience which i would urge you to watch. It does not really have a plot, has no action, comprises of 2 people talking the whole time and is throughly enjoyable! Proof that you do not need a big budget to make a good film.
“Simply put, Interview never feels claustrophobic or staged, but instead unfolds with the chaotic energy of life. It is a smart film in its humor, its subject, and its execution.”- Reel
“Afforded a comparatively rare chance to stretch out in a complex lead role, Buscemi is excellent, limning Pierre’s career battle fatigue even as the character flickers from amusement to sympathy to contempt. Miller shows authority as Katya, who may not be a dumb blonde by a longshot, but still sports the self-absorption and petulance of a showbiz diva.”- Variety
Postscript: “Interview” was one of three features Dutch director Theo van Gogh hoped to remake in English but he was assassinated before he could do that. The original Interview(2003) was made in Dutch and starred Katja Schuurman and Pierre Bokma. Not to be confused with the 1998 film “Interview” starring Hugo Weaving (which incidentally is also quite a good film).
