by Hayley MirekWe live in a culture obsessed with celebrity. The sheer number of gossip magazines demonstrates this, but it is somewhat disturbing to think that the toils and hardships of Britney Spears are, in terms of column inches, far ahead of famines in Africa and that beautiful young “actresses” have a place in Heat regardless of whether or not they actually possess any talent.
Sienna Miller could be called such an actress. That is why it was odd watching her in Interview and discovering that she can indeed act. Miller plays Katya, an actress who, like her portrayer, is better known for her romances and fashion choices than her acting roles. Steve Buscemi plays Pierre Peders, a man who considers himself the polar opposite to tabloid journalism. He is a “real” journalist, a man who investigates and exposes the ills of society – yet he has been demoted to interviewing Miller’s frivolous starlet.
Interview is an adaptation of a Dutch film, originally directed by Theo van Gogh. Directed by Buscemi, it is the first in a planed series of adaptations of van Gogh’s films. It maintains much of van Gogh’s style; intense dialogue between flawed, textured and fiercely realistic characters.
An early scene sees Pierre Peders sitting at a table waiting for Katya, fuming about the fact that he should be in Washington reporting the real news. Once Katya arrives Peders does little to hide his disdain for her. The interview is a disaster and they leave swearing at each other.
After Katya is blamed for a car crash, Peders finds himself in her apartment and what follows is a magnificently tense scene between the two. In short, Interview is a long filmed conversation; it is certainly not a film for Bruce Willis fans who dislike films lacking in explosions and gritty action. Yet, superb performances from Miller and Buscemi combined with unpredictable plot twists make the conversation fascinating.
It is clear from Katya and Peders’ conversation that the conflict between them is not based on genuine hate (or even dislike) but a fundamental misunderstanding of what the other represents. For Peders, Katya feeds the insipid, trashy side of journalism that keeps the public distracted from the real stories. For Katya, Peders represents the papers that print lies about her and are more concerned with her fluctuating breast size than her talent.
Buscemi and Miller were made to play this film’s principal characters. Buscemi’s famously worn, dishevilled appearance works beautifully for the decidedly creepy Peders. And Miller is pretty, thin, and charismatic enough to play a coke-snorting actress who seems to never wash her hair and yet can seduce any man with a smile.
I didn’t like either of the characters, but then I don’t think that is the director’s aim. Despite this, I did really did enjoy Interview. It is a film that you won’t be able to forget after leaving the cinema. Funny, uncomfortable and sad, it proves that Miller is more than Jude Law’s ex-fiancée.
Britney Spears once said “I don’t like movies that make me think.” If you share Britney’s sentiment, do not see Interview – you will hate it. But, if you like a strong film that won’t leave you emotionally satisfied, you should see Interview.
Film Review: Interview
