Das Interview

This films has Theo van Gogh written all over it. A big, fat and pretentious pile of crap. Katja Schuurman and Pierre Bokma are quite good but seem to lack any clue of where the script with its clichés is supposed to take them. The end is insultingly bad and gives the impression of a tight deadline. Despite seeing some of his other films and tv appearances, I gave Theo van Gogh the benefit of a doubt but he blew it completely. Some clever references, some great shots, and even an occasional joke aside, this film has left me completely untouched. OK, maybe left with a bit of rage for spending money to see it.

Political columnist and former war correspondent Pierre Peters (Pierre Bokma) is frustrated to be interviewing movie star Katja (real-life Dutch star Katja Schuurman) in an puff piece for the entertainment section. Her most notable assets are the two up front. She notices his attitude right away. They get personal as both bring out dark secrets from each other.

This is essentially a two person play. Sometimes their interactions feel fascinating but other times, it feels repetitive. Somehow they need breaks and gear changes. Maybe she should start as a sweet helpful character and he could fake caring about the article. Their fake cordial interactions can break down leading some explosive revelations. This has some moments and an interesting overall idea.

In a way nothing much happens in this movie, but the incredible tension of love/hate between the main characters really captures you and sucks you in. Excellent acting. If you're a guy and don't like dramas it is still worth seeing it for the scene where Katja (the character) watches here own TV series :)

9/10

Theo van Gogh did it again, and Theodor Holman earns every bit of respect on writing one of the best dialogue-movies I've seen in years. Pierre Bokma proves once again to be a great actor, and Katja Schuurman proves she's more than just a pretty face. Her role as a spoiled actress is greatly ironic, 'cause most narrow-minded viewers have only looked at her in this respect for over a decade. By playing this role with such finesse, she maybe proves to be exactly the opposite.

If you don't like Theo van Gogh as a person, please don't take that as an excuse to bomb his movies. "Interview" shows his (and Holman's) talent. The way Pierre and Katja don't want to be in the same room with each other, but can't leave each other at the same time; the way this is combined in "Interview" made me proud of Dutch cinema. Just like "Karakter" did, and just like "Van God Los" did (among others...).

This movie is to me one of the best none English/German movies ever seen. I can't really comment on Director or any other visual elements in the movie because it has been quite a while since I have seen it, what I can remember very clearly though is the characters. Although the predecessor of my comment states that the characters were not very real (and this is a rather valid point) I do not think that that is a negative thing. I think it is almost beautiful, almost comic how frank, cruelly honest they are. See, this is what makes this movie so very good, it's different, original, and because of it's obvious or even fake superficial and still rather insightful characters. It's almost comic. This movie really is worth watching, but only if you can see the beautiful in what seems to be the flawed.

I recommend this movie to anyone who'd like to see something a little different.