Interview

On The third of November 2004, Muslim extremists assassinated director Theo Van Gogh because of his inglorious portrayals of their culture and beliefs. Did he deserve this merciless fate? No, of course not. Because everyone in this world is entitled to an opinion and if Van Gogh wished to express his using the medium of cinema, he had every right to it. This "Interview" dates from the year before the controversial filmmaker's death. It's a typical Van Gogh film, entirely set in one interior location and introducing two main characters constantly talking. It actually looks a lot like that other film of his, "06", only the protagonists are now face-to-face, while "06" exclusively featured two people talking over the phone. I admit I started (and continued) watching "Interview" for the most shallow reason possible: the starring of Katja Schuurman. This ravishing Dutch actress has the face of an angel, the voice of a siren and a booty that would even make the most popular Hollywood actress jealous. In this, she plays the part of a successful actress who gets interviewed by some sort of Bosnian paparazzi guy. They constantly argue, play with each other's feelings etc etc etc… The script is tedious and nowhere near original or compelling. Although it probably was Van Gogh's intention, it totally doesn't feel like an artistic piece of cinema, as there's no style to detect anywhere. Not even a bit of exceptional camera-work or memorable music. This is a complete failure and I don't really feel obliged to give it more praise simply because the maker is death. Avoid! Watching a train rush by is more exciting than this.

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.

At first, I was not interested in this movie. Mainly because I don't particularly like Van Gogh and Katja Schuurmans. His movies were 'too arty farty' for my taste and I detest his manners (or lack of them). And I regarded Katja as a nice piece of ass who wasn't a real actress. How wrong could I be...

I decided to rent the DVD after reading reviews and I was pleasantly surprised. I don't know if it was the intention of Van Gogh to hold up a mirror in front of people like me, but that's the effect the movie had on me.

The same way I didn't regard Katja as a proper actress, the character of Pierre Bokma didn't take her seriously either. In return, Katja had an attitude towards people (like Bokma) because they don't take her seriously as an actress. In a way, this is reflected in the choice of the cast. Katja is a soapy and Bokma is a classic play actor. I found it quite refreshing to see Katja act very well. Even playing that she played a role (towards Bokma) came out very good. She really has a talent and actually can act. I was both delighted and ashamed of myself that I had judged Katja only because she played in a soap and looks gorgeous... I still don't like movies like Costa! but I'm not the target audience for those kind of movies. Interview is very well written, well played and if you like to see a great little gem of a movie, go see this.

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

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.