The Interview (2014)

The Interview (2014), directed by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, is one of the most controversial comedies of the 2010s. Starring James Franco and Seth Rogen, the film mixes political satire with raunchy humor and outrageous plotlines. It became infamous before its release, sparking international debate due to its depiction of North Korea and Kim Jong-un.

Detailed Summary

Opening Setup: Skylark Tonight

Dave Skylark (James Franco) is a flashy, somewhat clueless talk show host. His producer and best friend Aaron Rapaport (Seth Rogen) helps him run their gossip-heavy TV show, Skylark Tonight. They score celebrity interviews, but Aaron feels they could do more meaningful journalism.

The Big Scoop: Kim Jong-un

Aaron discovers that Kim Jong-un (Randall Park), the dictator of North Korea, is actually a fan of Skylark’s show. With this surprising connection, they land an interview with Kim himself in Pyongyang. This opportunity could finally give their careers legitimacy.

CIA Intervention

Before they leave, the CIA approaches the pair with a wild mission: assassinate Kim Jong-un during their trip. A hilariously awkward briefing introduces them to spy gadgets disguised as everyday objects, including a poisonous strip they must use to kill Kim with a handshake.

Meeting Kim Jong-un

When they arrive in North Korea, things don’t go as planned. Instead of the ruthless tyrant they expected, Kim charms Skylark by showing off his love for American culture, basketball, margaritas, and Katy Perry songs. Dave quickly grows fond of Kim, falling for his carefully crafted “regular guy” persona.

Doubts and Revelations

Aaron, however, becomes suspicious and eventually discovers the darker reality: Kim’s regime is brutal, starving its people, and running on propaganda. Skylark, initially blinded by Kim’s friendship, finally realizes the dictator’s manipulative nature.

Movie Ending

The climax takes place during the highly anticipated live interview. Instead of following the CIA’s original assassination plan, Dave Skylark decides to expose Kim Jong-un with words. He pushes Kim with tough questions, forcing him to lose his cool on live television.

As the cameras roll, Kim’s carefully maintained image begins to crumble. In one of the most iconic (and controversial) sequences, Kim Jong-un snaps, crying and raging. His façade of strength is destroyed in front of the world.

But Kim does not go down quietly. A violent chase ensues, leading to a spectacular action sequence. With tanks, helicopters, and explosions, the scene escalates into pure Hollywood mayhem. Eventually, Dave and Aaron manage to kill Kim Jong-un by blowing up his helicopter with a well-aimed missile — set to the sound of Katy Perry’s “Firework.”

The film ends with Dave and Aaron surviving, North Korea presumably entering a new era without Kim, and Skylark writing a memoir about the entire adventure. The world sees them not as bumbling talk-show clowns, but as unlikely heroes.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

Yes. There are bloopers and extra comedic snippets during the credits, but there is no significant post-credits scene that sets up a sequel or continuation. They serve more as a lighthearted wrap-up rather than story content.

Type of Movie

The film is a political satire, action-comedy, and buddy film. It mixes crude humor with absurd spy-thriller elements, all wrapped in a layer of social commentary about propaganda and media manipulation.

Cast

• James Franco as Dave Skylark
• Seth Rogen as Aaron Rapaport
• Randall Park as Kim Jong-un
• Lizzy Caplan as Agent Lacey (CIA)
• Diana Bang as Sook, Kim’s chief propagandist
• Timothy Simons and Reese Alexander in supporting roles

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Henry Jackman, known for mixing traditional orchestral sounds with modern beats. The standout use of music, however, is the ironic inclusion of Katy Perry’s “Firework,” which becomes both a running joke and a symbolic anthem in the film’s climax.

Filming Locations

The movie was filmed primarily in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, which doubled for North Korea. The Canadian wilderness and built sets helped simulate the secretive, militarized feel of Pyongyang. Vancouver was chosen not only for cost efficiency but also because recreating North Korea elsewhere would have been nearly impossible.

Awards and Nominations

The film did not receive major awards, but it became historically significant for the political firestorm it caused. It was pulled from many theaters after threats of violence, making it one of the most infamous releases in modern cinema.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• North Korea issued official threats against the U.S. because of the movie, calling its release “an act of war.”
• Sony Pictures was hacked before the release, with the incident widely attributed to North Korean cyber-attacks.
• The film was briefly pulled from theaters but later released digitally, becoming a huge online success.
• Seth Rogen has said that the film’s mix of comedy and geopolitics was the riskiest project of his career.
• James Franco improvised much of his eccentric dialogue, including many of Skylark’s bizarre one-liners.

Inspirations and References

The film takes inspiration from Cold War-era propaganda, satirical works like Dr. Strangelove, and modern celebrity culture. The concept of assassinating a dictator for comedy shock value was rooted in classic political satire traditions.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Reportedly, an alternate version of Kim Jong-un’s death was filmed but later altered to be less graphic after the international backlash. Some deleted scenes expand on Dave Skylark’s ridiculous celebrity interviews back home.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The movie is not based on a book. However, it does draw from real-world politics and the absurdities of both dictatorship and Western media obsession.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The opening interview with Eminem, where he casually “comes out” on live TV.
• Skylark bonding with Kim over basketball and tank rides.
• The live interview turning into a chaotic, world-changing moment.
• The helicopter explosion finale with “Firework” blasting.

Iconic Quotes

• Dave Skylark: “They hate us ‘cause they ain’t us.”
• Kim Jong-un: “Do you want to play basketball?”
• Dave Skylark: “You are the peanut butter to my jelly!”
• Aaron Rapaport: “You’re gonna assassinate the leader of North Korea… with a strip of poison wrapped in gum?”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film constantly references pop culture, from Katy Perry to Lord of the Rings.
• Randall Park based parts of his Kim Jong-un performance on watching Michael Jackson interviews.
• The CIA gadgets are parodies of James Bond spy gear.

Trivia

• Barack Obama himself commented on the controversy, saying Sony should not have pulled the film.
• It was one of the first major films to be released simultaneously in theaters and via digital streaming.
• Randall Park received widespread praise for his portrayal of Kim Jong-un, despite the controversy.

Why Watch?

Because it’s not just a comedy—it’s also a bizarre piece of film history. The controversy surrounding The Interview turned it into more than just a movie; it became a cultural flashpoint. If you like outrageous political satire mixed with absurd buddy comedy, this film is worth the ride.

Director’s Other Movies

• This Is the End (2013)
• Superbad (2007) – produced by Rogen and Goldberg
• Neighbors (2014) – Rogen starring, Goldberg producing
• Sausage Party (2016)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Team America: World Police (2004)
• This Is the End (2013)
• Tropic Thunder (2008)
• Borat (2006)
• South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)