The Interview

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.

Despite Hollywood being awash with good Aussie actors and directors, generally our industry produces worthless dross.

This film, however, is one of the rare exceptions to that rule.

An "interview" is what police in Australia call an interrogation. This is a movie an excellent psycho drama about the relationship between a policemen and a suspect in one such interview.

The acting is good. And the directing is good. And most importantly, the story is good.

What a pity we haven't seen more from the writer/director team of Craig Monaghan and Gordon Davie.

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 !

THE INTERVIEW ( rating, * * * * out of 5 )

Edward Flemming, (Hugo Weaving) is a seemingly everyday guy a little bit down on his luck. In the early hours of the morning, his door is broken down and he is arrested for a crime he apparently knows nothing about.

Detective Sergeant John Steele, (Tony Martin) a cop with a dubious reputation, conducts a series of interviews searching for the truth. As time ticks by, it becomes obvious all is not as it seems. Does Edward have a confession to make? Is he innocent? Or is Steele stepping way over the line?

Writer/director Craig Monahan, with help in the script department by Gordon Davie, construct a tense and absorbing movie which is punctuated by a menacing soundtrack composed and performed by David Hirschfelder.

This is stylish film-making at its best. Lush production values, elegant lighting, the skilful manipulation of slow motion, all combine to take the discerning viewer on a strange and mysterious ride.

Everything about this movie works - fine acting, expert writing and imaginative directing. Craig Monahan moves the story slowly but surely - deft handling of mood and atmosphere.

This film has to be really watched as the usual over-the-top bells and whistles are traded for innuendo and simmering tension. The longer this film went, the more it felt like a return to classic film noir where true movie-making was about absorbing an audience with story and character.

'The Interview' has many surreal qualities due to its intelligent subtleties. However, if these elements are missed, it will undoubtedly fall a little flat.

My only real criticism is that the ending was a little unsatisfying. The movie built up such viewer unease that the finale just fell away almost making the whole exercise pointless. This aside, 'The Interview' is a rare film and should not be missed.

The reality is that this film is not for everyone due to its strict attention demand on the audience. If you're looking for a film where you can slip your brain into neutral then give this one a miss. However, if a sharp thriller where the narrative is driven by deception is your bag, then 'The Interview' will not displease.

Agent Smith (actually named Eddie Fleming in this film) is taking a nap when the police barge in, trash his apartment, intimidate him, arrest him, and throw him into an "interview room" accusing him of car theft. Soon a charge of murder is added and Fleming is really at a loss of what to do. At a loss, that is, until the story takes a few twists and we see that "the interview" is really a fierce battle of wits with strings being pulled from every direction...

The title may be a bit misleading for American audiences as it means "interrogation" not the type of interview you have for a prospective job position. That aside, this is a fantastic film that deserves notice. Hugo Weaving with the rest of the cast gives a terrific performance and the script could hardly offer more when coupled with Craig Monahan's direction. Taking place in only a few rooms of a police station for pretty much the whole length of the film, yet there is a genuine suspense and the film space feels as open as the expanse of the mystery at hand rather than cramped like the setting.

All in all, this is one terrific little film that should be worth any movie watcher's time. 10/10

Not Rated, but contains occasional profanity