The Interview (1998) Reviews

• A truly amazing film

  stepwallace2006-07-23

  If you've ever doubted Hugo Weaving's acting skill - then this is the movie to set you straight. Weaving's performance is spectacular, it's got a gritty, human tangible feel - I saw this on the big screen, but even on TV he still has that emotional realism you can't fault. If you're a Weaving fan and you haven't seen this - then go and get it right now. If you're a Matrix fan and you haven't seen this - go and get it now - you'll get to see agent smith on the other side of an interrogation room. This movie is a non-stop discovery, you'll spend the entire movie questioning the characters, their motives and the truth of the tale unfolding. I cannot recommend this movie strongly enough, it is an unknown classic.

• Not since 12 Angry Men have I been so riveted to a film ...

  WCS022001-12-19

  37 years after Hitchcock put Psycho on the silver screen, Craig Monahan directed a thriller that competes frame for frame. The Interview explores the duality of the troubled mind through a simple exchange of thoughts. The possible psychosis of a suspected serial killer is examined through the microscope of Australian law enforcement, which bears universal similarities to America's. The movie relies on two primary ingredients: dialog and acting. Weaving and Martin (principally, with a superb sparse supporting cast) make it work. Enhancing camera angles, lighting, and complementary music put you there - in the interview room. Not since 12 Angry Men have I been so riveted to a film that relies on dialog so heavily. It's a 5 star restaurant meal for the the independent film viewer. So little arrives on the plate; but what comes to you is 100% choice. If you happen to rent the DVD, invest time watching the alternative ending. It offers a lesson in film making. In the final presentation, Monahan achieves with a facial expression what otherwise might have taken another four minutes to achieve. Self Indulgent, ego-borne film producers take note. It you were satisfied with Hitchcock's ending to The Birds, you'll be content with his ending as I was. But if you watch and leave with doubts about the culpability of the interviewee, those doubts will be dismissed in the alternative ending. Find a copy and see it soon. 9.5 / 10

• A Nutshell Review: (DVD) The Interview (1998)

  DICK STEEL2006-01-01

  Most audiences around the world would by now know who Austrialian actor Hugo Weaving is, after appearing in big budgeted Hollywood trilogies like The Matrix and The Lord of the Rings. The Interview presents one of his earlier works in an Australian film, and my, does he show off his acting chops in this. Hugo Weaving plays Eddie Fleming, a simple man whose just been retrenched from his job, separated from his wife and living off state welfare. The film begins with him being literally yanked off his sofa chair at home, when the cops barge in and arrested him with strong arm tactics. Later he's told, that he's in for a car jacking incident. However, Fleming pleads innocence to chief interrogator John Steele (played superbly too by Australian actor Tony Martin), who has a reputation of solving crimes, regardless of the methods used. It's one man against the other, as Fleming initially begins as an innocent helpless man, clueless to why he's bring held in a police station, undergoing an interrogation. As we go along, we see a power play between the two men, as each try to gain one up against the other. We start to question Fleming's innocence, as he begins to drop various hints that he might be involved in the crime Steele is investigating, and perchance, might be the serial killer Steele is looking for. The tension built between the two is tremendous, and both hold court against each other. Also added to the subplot is the exploration of ethics into Steele's techniques, and the politics of policing, investigations and the conducting of interrogations and interviews. It's excellent storytelling if you're willing to put up with little or no action, but laden with plenty of insightful dialogue. Weaving adds a beautiful dimension to the character of Fleming - innocent man, guilty sinner, schizophrenic, or just manipulator? You'll also learn a bit about the Australian police and justice process at the evidence gathering stage, and one in which Fleming takes advantage of quite skillfully. So for fans of Hugo Weaving, you might want to pick up this DVD to check out his performance. This Code 1 DVD contains the theatrical trailer, cast biographies, cast interviews with Hugo Weaving and Tony Martin, an audio commentary by the director/writer Craig Mohanan, and deleted scenes, one of which features an alternative ending.

• Not for the faint hearted

  kdp-22000-04-18

  A claustrophobic, tense Australian psychological thriller that will have you guessing even after the closure. Basically has two characters; the suspect and the cop interviewing him. This is one of those films you just wish would hurry up and finish because it is agonising but riveting to watch. No special effects, stunning sets or killer soundtrack here; an acting tour de force by both the leads. What makes this film outstanding is the script which slides and spirals down a path of almost unbelievable emotional snares and plot twists. The nightmarish flashback scenes allow no relaxation for the viewer, only a mesmerised state of fear. The film is set for the most part in a room that looks like a cross between the 'Bladerunner' interview room and KGB murky, dust filled rooms of our collective cold war memories. Very atmospheric and full of menace. The acting is intense and convincing throughout with Tony Martin (Wildside) and Hugo Weaving (The Matrix) really earning their acting dollars in this one. Yes, this does sound like a promo rather than a review but, honestly, I can't fault this film for what it is. Everything is utterly meshed and designed to create maximum emotional impact. Brilliant !

• An Aussie Classic!

  claybo762002-04-03

  While the supporting cast is excellent, make no mistake: this is Hugo Weaving's film. He constantly keeps the audience guessing and easily changes his role from the victim to the villain by the tweaking of his facial features. Hugo is starting to make waves in the international scene, and hopefully, if there's any justice he will a win similar success that Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce are enjoying. Roles in the Matrix (and now Lord Of The Rings) trilogy are winning him notice. This film is recommended for those don't think any movie made in Australia (by Australians) can be worth watching. A very intelligent film that demands your attention and holds your intrigue until the very last shot.