Interview

It’s hard to make a two-person conversation interesting for an entire feature length film but Steve Buscemi and Sienna Miller manage to convey captivating performances from the simple building blocks of a fictional celebrity interview. Though the final act becomes somewhat predictable, the on-screen chemistry of the two lead actors more than makes up for the obvious conceit introduced half-way through the film. Pierre Peders (Steve Buscemi) is a political reporter for a major magazine who’s been assigned, against his will, to interview supermodel cum actress Katya (Sienna Miller). Angry at being forced to work the entertainment beat, Pierre becomes antagonistic towards his interviewee and the two embark upon a long night of misunderstandings and interpersonal politics. Interview’s simplicity is its strength. Not relying on elaborate settings or convoluted plot elements, writers Steve Buscemi and David Schechter rework the original Dutch screenplay into remarkably natural English dialogue. The unlikely pairing of Buscemi and Miller creates enough tension to spark a not necessarily romantic chemistry between the two actors that is uniquely captivating. Buscemi also does an exceptional job directing, managing to keep the film visually interesting despite the small set and cast. The DVD is lacking in special features, with only a theatrical trailer and photo gallery, but a film like this doesn’t need a bunch of sub-standard "making of” features to move DVDs. Though Buscemi is known primarily as an actor, he’s both written and directed several other films and television shows. Interview fully establishes him as an exceptional talent in all three roles. This film is a must see for anyone interested in witnessing acting at its best.