The early year placement of a Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run) directed thriller starring Clive Owen and Naomi Watts would lead you to believe The International doesn’t live up to its billing, and while this isn’t a film you will come out of cheering it’s certainly better than a mid-February release date would assume it to be. The story has an up-and-down effect that lags at moments but also includes an impressive second act finale you are sure to enjoy.
The International revolves around a powerful international bank involved in a number of worldwide illegal activities. At the center of it all are Interpol Agent Louis Salinger (Clive Owen) and Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Eleanor Whitman (Naomi Watts) as they team up to take down the bank. Bodies start piling up and the idea of justice seems like impossibility. For the most part the film relies heavily on assassinations and the threat of what is to come. You know if a character is introduced he is likely to be found dead only a few scenes later and you realize it is only a matter of time before the principals become the targets.
Where the film runs into trouble is when it begins to take itself a little too seriously and has to rely on either heavy-handed dialogue or absurd jump cuts to get Watts and Owen in and then out of trouble. The idea Watts is having a hard time selling the District Attorney on the importance of her case after she has been run over by a car is a bit ridiculous and a late escape in the film is as questionable as if there had been a jump cut to outer space saying, “meanwhile… on the Moon.” However, the film does manage to get out of these moments with enough energy to make most of the flaws fade into the background.
The most impressive part of the whole film is a lengthy shoot-out inside the actual Guggenheim Museum that leaves the place riddled with bullet holes, broken glass, blood and dead bodies. Even more astonishing is to find out the scene was actually shot inside the real Guggenheim and no damage came of it. Just wait until you see it on the screen knowing that, it is a feat worthy of recognition and one of the better gun fights I have seen.
However, Clive Owen serves as the film’s number one reason for success as his talent makes it a little more believable. It would have been even better if the contribution of Armin Mueller-Stahl wasn’t capitalized on in one of those heavy-handed “serious” moments, but you can’t win them all.
For what it’s worth The International at least has some moments of real entertainment, and while that isn’t really saying much it at least gives me something to meekly recommend if a friend calls and asks, something I found myself unable to do only a week ago.
