Being the movie buff that we are, my boyfriend and I decided to see The Interpreter starred by Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn. Generally, the movie was awesome with its unexpected twists and turns and intelligent word plays. I recommend you to see the movie yourself and I assure you that it will make you want to learn more about the things that go on inside the prestigious UN building.
But what interests me most after watching this movie is the role of the interpreter itself. Imagine mastering a couple of languages and using two of them both at the same time — one for listening, and the other for speaking! Geesh! I already have a hard time perfecting just one! Anyway, coincidentally, a few days after watching the movie, I saw a segment on CNN regarding the UN. In relation to The Interpreter, they featured what these people really do in the organization. Basically, an interpreter’s role is invisible. He/She only gets noticed when mistakes are made. Now that would be a big problem, wouldn’t it? Representatives from different countries are gathered in this one spacious room to discuss international issues. Most of them do not even know any English and rely solely on the voice they hear from their earpiece to be able to understand what is being tackled. But what if they get the wrong message due to the interpreter’s fault? These are international polices and issues we’re talking about. War could result from one simple mistake. You might think it’s overly dramatic but it could happen…hopefully NOT!
Realizing these things, I suddenly think…sometimes, the messenger really has to be shot! ‘Nuff said!