Review of The Good German (2006) by Roberto R — 04 Apr 2008

This is a good looking film, directed by Soderbergh. It looks to be a homage to the 40s & 50s studio Hollywood golden age and film noir. With real footage from war torn Germany and a number of actors who looked like they have stepped into a time machine and who have got out in 1949 and have got the roles that could have gone to Gary Grant and Lauren Bacall. What differants it from â??beingâ?? like a film from made 50 years ago is the bad language, brief nudity and sex. The characters all are quite ambiguous in their morals; all have a scheme or have done something totally selfish, but the film draws upon these actions as survival in a situation such as the Second World War.

But at times, it was a little confusing and the pace of the film wasnâ??t that great nearer the middle. You do just marvel at the cinematography and the overall style. I did chuckle at the way Clooneyâ??s character did seem like punch bag for the various bad guys. I mean, did that ever happen to Bogart! Some of the best dialogue of the film belongs to Robin Weigert as Hannelore, who is rather crude! George Clooney, once again, for me shows are he works well with Soderbergh as his director. Toby Maguire shows he can play a â??weaselâ?? and an unpleasant role. While Cate Blanchett perfects a bitter, sultry character very much by the look and posture within the lighting and direction.