Inspired by the Bank of Credit and Commerce International ( BCCI ) scandal of the 1980s , the film 's script , written by Eric Warren Singer , raises concerns about how global finance affects international politics across the world . Production began in Berlin in September 2008 , including the construction of a life-size replica of New York 's Guggenheim Museum for the film 's climactic shoot-out scene . The film opened the 59th Berlin International Film Festival on 5 February 2009 . Reviews were mixed : some praised the sleek appearance and prescient themes &mdash; '' The Guardian '' called it a thriller with " brainpower as well as firepower " — but '' The New Yorker '' criticised the development of the characters
59th Berlin International Film Festival
59th Berlin International Film Festival
The International (2009 film)