Review of Contagion (2011) by Emod L — 07 May 2014

Are we truly safe, can our entire population be wiped out within the measure of several weeks? These are the bold questions Steven Soderbergh's, "Contagion", ask its audience, while the subject matter of a single virus slowly but surely taking out an entire population has the potential to be supremely compelling, sadly the monotony of the films melancholic pace brings down what could have possibly been a fantastic film.

The film begins with a stoic Kubrick esc tone with single images of our earth towns residing in the frame of the film. Quickly the gravity of the situation is brought forth with the death of one of the most prominent cast members of the film, ensuring that no one is immune to this disease.

Immediately dozens upon dozens of deaths occur throughout the globe with seemingly no solution to the problem of these fatalities. One advantage Contagion has over similar films such as invasion of the body snatchers is that its realism is the main focus of the feature with a global perspective on the MEV-1 virus.

Wither it be America, China or Mexico the global perspective of the film definitely influences the films originality. Without a doubt the best aspect of the film is the absolutely stunning direction of director Steven Soderbergh which oozes with style and sophistication within every frame thanks to brilliant lighting, blocking and framing.

The lighting of the film is very reminiscent of David Fincher's cinematography in such films as, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", "Fight Club" and "The Social Network" which works very well with the hopeless tone and atmosphere of the film; Tones of grey and black emancipate the frame with elegant radiance.

Overall Soderbergh's direction is undoubtedly the best aspect of the film. Unfortunately the rest of the film does suffer to a degree. The soundtrack is mainly an atmospheric one that only serves to influence the tone of each individual scene; however, it is highly unmemorable with many of the pieces simply blending together in their sleep inducing pitch.

Scott Burns screenplay is very much split in terms of quality, on one hand he handles the big picture aspect of the script very well with the global outlook of the film being effortlessly handled as well as the dialogue between characters being realistic yet compelling.

However, the one aspect that brings Contagion down faster than a fat kid on a treadmill is indeed that the film is boring. Boring yet compelling, is that an oxymoron? Well Contagion is both of those. Finally the all star cast all deliver incredibly great performances as expected.

Matt Damon is the central piece of the films emotional core, for he effortlessly delivers empathy and sadness. Jude Law is the paranoia of the films tone; for he effortlessly delivers bold narcissism with a cocky demeanor.

Marion Cotillard, Lawrence Fishburne and Kate Winslet all scientists represent the voice of reason that still maintain their mortality among the outbreak. Contagion is an oxymoron for it is both compelling and supremely boring and quite honestly painful to get through at times; yet thanks to brilliant direction and competent performances Contagion is still worth at most one viewing.