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Corporal Hicks takes a look at the latest incarnation of Steven Soderbergh's TRAFFIC
Hey folks, Harry here with that Chat Hound.... Corporal Hicks.... I do believe he's the highest ranking officer around that checked out TRAFFIC tonight... and from the sound of things... Soderbergh has taken 10 to 15 minutes off the running time (from the previous screening, I'm betting this would be frontend minutes to get the story moving faster) and from this review I can't tell if the additional shot footage was in yet, but my bet would be that it is. Soderbergh is amazing that he's assembled a new print in this length of time... he's a machine, and folks.. this is one of the best films of the year... that I've seen thus far. Here ya go with Corp. Hicks....
HEY HARRY AND THE GANG!
Hicks here.
Man, I really don't know where to begin. If it weren't for me getting to meet in person all those quirky, wonderful aicn-ers I've been talking to in the chatroom, there would have been no way for me to see the movie I saw tonight.
A HUGE thanks goes out to Mysterio(who Grendy and I were sadly unable to meet in person--we were late) for helping us squeeze our way into a way advance screening of Soderbergh's latest pic TRAFFIC.
Now, I'll start off by saying I'm a huge Soderbergh fan; honestly, the guy is, like, my idol. From Sex, lies to Erin Brockovich, the guy just makes quality movies(Out of Sight being my fav). BUT!!! BUT, I was clearing my head as much as possible for this one. I mean, I came in with an open mind, willing to take anything thrown my way and give it an objective look(as well as a subjective look, of course).
Alright, on with the flick...
DAMN!
This is THE movie about the war on drugs. This ain't no Clear-and-Present-Find-Us-A-Script,-Please movie. This film is a serious, mature film that really should be viewed by droves of people, young and old. It's a truthful statement on many things about our society today. Now, I'm not gonna just...FLIP OUT...like you all think I'm gonna do about the flick. It's not the best movie ever made, no. But I'll be damned if it isn't one of the best I've seen in the last 5 years. I liken it mostly to what last year's THE INSIDER almost was(although that movie, on it's own merit, is quite amazing).
Where THE INSIDER was slightly lacking, this movie was abundant: accessibility. TRAFFIC really lets the viewer into the issue at hand in addition to provide true character depth and a compelling story. I, myself, have never used drugs at all, so I know very little about the issue itself other than what I would see in an after-school special(Just Say No...or Jenny, eat something!).
Of course, the movie was still very much a workprint. We all heard the soundtrack pops on occasion and I'm sure some of the picture needed a bit more color-timing, but for the most part this movie is DONE. And I'm happy about that. It clocked in around 2:35 or 2:40, which I thought was the perfect length. Mirrione's editing combined with Soderbergh's direction give the flick a great pace...moreover, an appropriate pace.
I don't really want to talk about the story too much; it's something that you really have to let surprise you. All I'll say is that it shows how drugs affect each level of society today. Having said that, I gotta tell ya...Gaghan's script is OUTSTANDING. The movie never condescended to me nor did it pander to a lowest common denominator. It's actually a very quiet(dialogue-wise) movie, and I'm all about that. Too much dialogue is bad(except, of course, if you happened to be named Kevin Smith, Paul Thomas Anderson, or David Mamet).
As for the acting(and DAMN is this an awesome cast):
Michael Douglas--damn fine job; sort of a more realistic version of the Andrew Sheppard character in THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT. He really nails it as he attempts to balance home and career.
Don Cheadle--seriously, somebody just give the man the damn trophy! You can't take your eyes off this guy, HE'S SO DAMN GOOD. He shows real range as a cop caught up in the futility of the fight.
Luis Guzman--god, I love this guy. He and Cheadle(they're partners) have such a great chemistry in their scenes that I would love to just see a spin-off movie about the two of them!
Benicio del Toro--awesome. Probably the best performance in the film. Now, I admit, I was afraid USUAL SUSPECTS was just a fluke; I mean, honestly, EXCESS BAGGAGE, anyone?? But, seriously, THIS is fine, top-notch acting. He has a quiet brilliance that radiates about him in this film. Genius, I say, genius.
Catherine Zeta-Jones--Her best work to date, I'll say(although many would think twice before saying Entrapment was work).
Erika Christensen--WOW! Who is this girl and when can she be in another movie??? As Douglas's teenage drug-addicted daughter...she was spot-on perfect. A tough role.
Amy Irving--Damn, she's quite good, I say. She can hold her own(for what little time she has) with Douglas as his wife, both people struggling to keep their family from being torn to pieces by drugs.
Miguel Ferrer--Where the hell has this guy been the last 10 years??? He is a great talent who really shines a big-time dealer.
Dennis Quaid--He plays an asshole...and he does it well; what else can I say?
Also there are many wonderful little cameos by the likes of Albert Finney, Salma Hayek, James Brolin, Steven Bauer, and Benjamin Bratt.
the directing:
Soderbergh is a master, may it now be said, once and for all. His compositions are some of the most original shots I've ever seen(the helicopter landing shot is astounding). And he shot the damn movie too! HOW DOES HE DO THIS??? His photography is, what I'd say, an extension of the ideas sought out in both Soderbergh's own ERIN BROCKOVICH(shot by Ed Lachman), Mann's THE INSIDER(shot by Dante Spinotti), and Russell's THREE KINGS(shot by Tom Sigel). Some serious use of color reversal film, creating all that crazy contrast, and a wide-open aperature, allowing all those windows to appear blown-out from overexposure.
Yep, I liked the flick. I'd go so far as to call it brilliant. Will people go see it? Maybe...but they really, really should(I'd make screenings of it at junior-high schools even). Will it take home the gold next March? Hmmm...I'll go ahead and say, yeah, it has a great shot at best pic, but my vote would majorly be for Soderbergh's direction. The acting is too good and too much of an ensemble to really garner awards.
Go see the movie. It's real. Watch it.
Hicks signing off.
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How does he go from Khafka/Underneath to Out of Sight/Limey/Erin/Traffic? What an amazing turnaround to a career, damn I admire that. From his recent string of amazing films he will turn out to be a historically influential filmmaker. But his best is still SCHIZOPOLIS, and I hope he makes billions on Traffic/Ocean's 11/next inevitably brilliant project just so he can fund SON OF SCHIZOPOLIS and a third in the trilogy. I want to start and American Movement ala DOGME 95, but it would be SCHIZOPOLIS 01. The tenents of Schizolpolis 01. 1) The film must star the writer/director in the lead role.
2) The film must five or more disparate plots that converge.
3) The film must be shot in 16mm.
4) All films should be credited: Directed by T. Azimuth Schwitters. Maybe I just harbor thoughts of starting and American Dogme type movement, or even have Soderbergh remembered for starting a movement. Maybe I just think Schizopolis is friggin' brilliant.
-T.A.S. -
Steven is the freaking man. Everything the man has done is golden. It also doesn't hurt that he came from my home town too (Baton Rouge)some times the LSU film club i'm in makes a night of going around to all the spots he shot sex, lies and videotape and schizopolis and end the night in his favorite (and mine too) THE BAYOU and at LOUIE'S (fav resturant). Now if only the cinema club of LSU can get Steven (or harry for that matter) to attend out annual film festival everythihg would be just fine and dandy..... oh this movie looks kick ass from its "nurse betty" trailer... everybody have a great weekend :)
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smokey...awesome is used twice. that's all. i'm just really excited about this quality movie. i wish i could do a better job for ya.
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No words can describe how awesome of an actor he is. Where as he been? Stuck in obscurity, from Twin Peaks, to The Stand, from The Night Flier, to Hot SHots part Deux, from Lateline to his cmaeo on the ER series premiere. Not only is he a great actor, but a little nepotism helps, George Clooney he of ER until recently is Miguel's cousin. It's good to see Miguel back in a hopefully substantial role that mey allow him to move on from where he is. Unless where he is, is where he wants to be. You rule Miguel, and don't none of you forget it!! Oh yeah, this movie is starting to sound even cooler than before...
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Out of Sight
The Limey
Erin Brockovich
Traffic
All since 1998. Is there anyone else in the past 20 years who has been this prolific with this level of quality? -
This is easily one of the best reviews to appear on this site in weeks (or months). It didn't give anything away but I definitely got an overall feel for the movie -- and now I'm even more anxious... BTW -- Does anyone know if this flick is actually going to be released WIDE before the end of the year? Or will it be another one of those films where we have to hear about how goddamn good is for about 2 months before its release in late January?? -- I HATE THAT!
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About that filmmaker...ever heard of a guy called Stanley Kubrick? I think he meets that profile. Well, he used to, now he's dead. Honestly, I think Steven is a very talented guy, but I don't find much subtext in his movies to really interest me...he gets a special prize for getting Andie McDowell make other expressions (you know, instead of her frown-sad, smiley-happy thing) in Sex Lies and Videotape...
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The man can do no wrong - how oh how can I get him my script? Yeah, Cruel Shoes, I like the idea of a Schizopolis Manifesto for the 21st Century. How 'bout: All films must be based in chaos and return to where it began, like a snake eating its tail? Say, did you ever notice the similarities to Soderbergh's sunny Schizoplois and Lynch's blacker than black Lost Highway of the same year? Both movies are about a man becomig someone else only to have an affair with their wife.
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Is everyone really that fond of professional critics? I mean, you can't even read a review by Roger Ebert without having the film completely spoiled. Did anyone read his Nurse Betty review?! He gave away one of the most shocking parts... I personally like reviews that are vague -- I don't need to know WHY exactly they feel the way they do, I'll figure that out for myself.
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and not another tease like The Patriot (and just about every other movie this summer) which was lauded for weeks but crashed & burned.
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Yes, yes I know everyone claims to be following an actor forever. But I became on Don Cheadle fan the SECOND I saw him in Picket Fences trying to ask Lauren Holly on a date. Way way a long time ago. The man just makes every movie he is in better. His Sammy in The Rat Pack. The scene in Boogie Nights where he is wearing the Earth, Wind and Fire outfit. He just constantly and consistently gives awesome and subtle performances. He never goes Al Pacino on you. (sniff sniff) I love the man. But not in a homosexual way.
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Come on dude! He even rocked in that. And any piece of celluloid sharing Alicia Silverstone and Christopher Walken can't be THAT bad!
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Sep 15, 2000 10:30:24 PM CDT
Why would we need a blow-up doll when we all have your mother?
by iamjacksuserid
Repeater man, or whatever the fuck your name is, bite my ass... And you may want to clean all of that spunk from your shift key. It makes your otherwise tiny words seem BIG. More power to The Man Soderbergh!
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You are one of the lowest life-forms I've seen in a talkback, your hurtful comments would have meaning if they were coming from an intelligent person, but since they come from you, we might as well dismiss them as the rants of a sad little boy who didn't get into a Traffic screening. Leave the girl alone, man. I hope you're banned (which I know you will)
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to the Fez, if that is your real name, why you see the need to abuse Grendy in such a manner is quiet beyond me. I only wish I had the means to go to whatever trailer park you live in and kick the royal living shite out of your rotting carcass. Oh well, you cant always get what you want. Lucky for you a hard tanned ass kickin Aussie like me hasnt the means to track you sown. But from this day forward, watch your back jack, you never know when a boomerang might come around the corner and split that pale saggy fleash cranium of yours. So long Mr Fez, i trully hope to see you in the chat room one day soon.
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Skywalker, in regards to Packy's comments, he was wondering whether there was anyone as "prolific" and so good at the same time in the last 20 yrs as Soderbergh. Kubrick was no doubt a great filmmaker, but prolific he wasn't; he made a movie, what, once every ten years or so? But Soderbergh, what a streak he's on. And it looks like Ocean's 11 may well be another jewel in his crown. I've never seen Schizopolis, but my interest is certainly piqued. Is Soderbergh a sellout to the mainstream, though? I know some people have attacked him for going Hollywood, what with Erin Brockovich and Out Of Sight and Ocean's 11. Me, I don't care if he's gone mainstream or not; in fact, by going mainstream, he's more able to tell his stories, to communicate, with a wider audience than the audience for a Schizopolis. He just tells damn good stories; one of my favourite Soderbergh films is King Of The Hill, such a sweet and beautifully filmed movie that often never gets mentioned. But yeah, I agree with one of the other talkbackers; Soderbergh's going to go down in cinematic history as one of the best of his era, and relegate Spielberg to "that other Steven."
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It doesn't even matter what the subject matter of any Soderbergh movie contains, I've learned that the guy makes some of the best films ever committed to celluloid. He knows how to tell a story and never dumb downs his movies to reach a wider audience. The guy is Mr. Integrity. He should also be praised for remaking Oceans 11. Usually, Hollywood seems bent on remaking classic films and old TV shows. The original Oceans 11 was a clever idea that ended up being a piece of shit. THOSE ARE THE MOVIES THAT SHOULD BE REMADE, not the classics.
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I'm sure Soderbergh's film will be quite excellent, but Michael Mann's "The Insider" was an absolute triumph. He's always been totally cool. Mann's been doing his inventive work, to paraphrase "Repo Man," when Soderbergh was still swimmin' around in his daddy's balls.
Anyone else notice the music on the teaser for "Traffic" is actually from Lisa Gerrard and Pieter Bourke's (4AD) awesome soundtrack to -what else?- "The Insider." -
I MUST SAY FEZ IS A BEACON OF LIGHT IN AICN'S SAD SAD WORLD.
UNFORTUNATELY I NEVER SAW HIS LAST POST BEING THAT THIS SITE IS PARTIAL TO CENSORSHIP AND LOVES TO SILENCE AND INDEPENDENT THOUGHT. I JUST HOPE THAT IN THE FUTURE HIS POSTS ARE ALLOWED TO BE SEEN BY ALL THOSE WHO SHOULD SEE IT. -
Response Indicating Greeting, Another Tenet of the Schizopolis 01 Manifesto: All titles must have the word Schizopolis in them. My first Schizopolis film will be called "Schizopolis Rising." as soon as I push this idea past Mr. Soderbergh. And to BSWISE, I guess those are similarities between Lost Highway and Schizopolis, but it's kind of a tenuous connection given how the two film get to that point. The two film couldn't have more different first and second acts, but I guess there also aren't whole lot of films in which a guy cheats on his wife to sleep with his wife. -T.A.S.
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Del Toro was fantastic in Excess Baggage. The only good thing about the movie. He took a boring, run-of-the-mill character and made him odd, off-beat, interesting, cool and vulernable all at once. Watch that movie again and pay close attention to Del Toro's body language and the way he hits his marks. Damn he was great. Far better than his woefully underwritten role in Way of the Gun.
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let's not also forget b. del torro's superb supporting role in "basqiat".
also, re: mann v. soderbergh let's not compare apples and oranges they both do something unque and special which is why they are such terrific filmmakers.
one last thing- if you haven't read soderberg's sex,lies, and videotape book you should check it out. i was recently re-reading it and aside from being reminded what an interesting book it is, the guy was 25 when he made s.,l., & v.!
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