The International is a 2009 espionage and thriller film directed by Tom Tykwer and written by Eric Warren Singer. Starring Clive Owen and Naomi Watts, the film focuses on the story of two public officials investigating a global bank involved in illegal financial operations. The film features scenes set in multiple countries, making it an international production co-produced by the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Turkey.

PLOT

Interpol agent Louis Salinger and Manhattan District Attorney Eleanor Whitman conduct an investigation against one of the world’s most powerful banks. It is revealed that this bank is linked to numerous illegal activities, including money laundering, illegal arms trading, and destabilizing governments. Their investigation takes place across cities such as Berlin, Milan, New York, and Istanbul. This global-scale investigation plunges Salinger and Whitman into a high-risk chase. The bank is willing to do anything, including murder, to continue financing terrorism and war, endangering the lives of the investigators.

^{The International Official Trailer (SonyPicsUK)}

THEME

The film focuses on the power of the global financial system and its influence over justice mechanisms. Themes such as law, moral responsibility, corruption, terrorism financing, and international crimes form the core of the film’s structure. Through the determined efforts of Salinger and Whitman, the tension between individual pursuit of justice and corporate interests is portrayed.

CAST AND CHARACTERS

• Clive Owen – Louis Salinger
• Naomi Watts – Eleanor Whitman
• Armin Mueller-Stahl – Wilhelm Wexler
• Ulrich Thomsen – Jonas Skarssen
• Jack McGee – Detective Bernie Ward
• Victor Slezak – Martell
• Brían F. O’Byrne – The Consultant
• Patrick Baladi – Martin White

AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS

• World Soundtrack Awards (2009):
• Nominee: Best Original Film Score of the Year (Reinhold Heil, Tom Tykwer, Johnny Klimek)
• Leggio d’oro (2009):
• Winner: Best Actress Performance – Barbara De Bortoli (dub voice of Naomi Watts)

BOX OFFICE

• Budget: Approximately 50,000,000 USD
• Opening Weekend (US & Canada): 9,331,739 USD (February 15, 2009)
• Total Gross (US & Canada): 25,450,527 USD
• Worldwide Gross: 60,253,843 USD

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FILM

The International presents a narrative questioning the role of international financial institutions in illegal activities and the accountability of such organizations. With its multinational production and scenes set across various geographies, the film cinematically reflects the borderless influence of the global system. While highlighting the structural challenges faced by the justice system, it also draws attention to the social consequences of political and economic power balances.