Review of Girlfriend Experience (2008) by Stephen G — 10 Sep 2010

I actually liked it quite a bit and by the end I was impressed with Soderbergh's casting choice of Sasha Grey. She can't perform dialogue really well, but she has this feeling about her all the time like there is a thick wall that we will never see behind.

But, as the journalist says, we do catch a peak through a cracked door and that's it. For a movie that is so focused on her as a main character that is an interesting concept. We followed Chelsea for a 78 minute film and by the end know a little bit about her, but there are still many vague points.

This is not done on accident through weak writing, but on purpose because that's what the writers intended. I am going to be honest, I was thoroughly entertained throughout the whole film. I thought it was shot really well, especially for being on a Red One.

This is definitely inspiring for me since it's an inexpensive camera. The scene in the bar where we see Chris and Chelsea talk but the focus is on a woman in the back of the room is interesting. It really lets us know that the focus of the film wasn't necessarily on the two main characters, but on human condition.

Soderbergh also understands in this film (and most of his others) that music can either make or break a scene, and he uses music perfectly in this movie. All the other actors are pretty good. Nothing fantastic, but not as awful as Bubble.

I really liked the political backdrop to the movie. It shows really well the thoughts of people during one of the biggest elections in a long time. I really liked it when Chris said "if I hear the world maverick one more time I will vomit.

" The best thing about the movie is that every single character is human and they have their insecurities no matter how much they try to hide it. Chris wants to act like he's ok with Chelsea being an escort, but when he's on the plane we realize that it's been tearing him up the year and a half they were together.

Chelsea acts like she doesn't care about other escorts and how they look, but when her old client is with another woman it tears her apart. When the screenwriter feels like he is ready to leave his family he sees his kids on webcam and breaks down.

There are things we all do in life to push through the tough times, but the truth behind our emotions will break through in the end. Excellent film, just wish he had more time to work on the way Sasha Grey delivered her lines.