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Film Review: Contagion
Tuesday 25th October 2011 | Osh
If it had been any other director announcing his retirement less than a month before the U.S. release of his next film, it would have merely come off as a bit of shameless publicity seeking. But Steven Soderbergh has always had an air of integrity about him, so it's hard to imagine him being so calculating. It's been Soderberghs attempts to tow the line between mainstream cinema and his more personal projects that has made him such an interesting figure in Hollywood. Following up the famously slick Ocean's Twelve with lo-fi curio Bubble proved that despite his monumental success and being able to put the words “Academy Award winner...” before his name, Soderbergh was all too happy to experiment with his medium.
If Soderbergh does follow through on this retirement business, at least he can add this months Contagion to his already-healthy list of ace films. A powerful, exasperating look at a global health epidemic, Contagion packs a serious punch. And if you think the films glorious cast suggests it's director is back in Ocean's Twelve mode, then be warned: this is Soderbergh at his most audacious. The director has spoken at length about the joy he had in being able kill off some famous names, and as a result he truly takes the audience out of their comfort zones.
The first to cark it is Gwyneth Paltrow, having contracted the disease while in Tokyo and spreading it to Chicago after cheating on her loving husband Mitch (Matt Damon). In a matter of days, the virus has become a worldwide pandemic. And while the film explores the disease's effects on a global scale, Soderbergh also turns his attention to a variety of government officials, doctors and scientists, all desperate to find a cure. His approach is clinical and at times relentlessly grim, but it's also compelling and not without hope.
In addition to Paltrow and Damon, Contagion also sees Kate Winslet, Lawrence Fishburne, Marion Cotillard, and Jude Law on fantastic form. Amongst the starry cast, Law is a stand-out as a controversial internet blogger. And despite her modest fame, British actress Jennifer Ehle also draws attention as a brave scientist, being both gentle and forceful. Without any theatrics or show-boating, her performance is one that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Despite making for some tough viewing, Contagion comes highly recommended and if there's ever a time to appreciate Soderbergh's talent, surely it's in the face of his looming retirement?
