With Contagion, it works. I give Steven Soderbergh points for giving his movie a Hitchcock feel to it, especially during the early scenes of the virus' spread. However, he loses points for the not-so-good ending (which shows what caused the virus).
The cast is quite good. The notable names include Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law (all we need is Cate Blanchett and Philip Seymour Hoffman, and then we got a reunion for The Talented Mr. Ripley), Kate Winslet, Marion Cotillard and Laurence Fishburne. Of the actors, I particularly like Law who tries to make a quick buck off the virus scare.
Contagion is really quite effective. Seriously, more than once as I was watching it, I had an urge to reach in my purse and get out my hand sanitizer. But the ending cost the movie considerably.
My Rating: ****
Glad you're getting out to theaters! That said, I totally disagree with you about the ending. Thought it was just brilliant...
ReplyDeleteI didn't have a problem with the big reveal (i.e. the ending), but I think it was a genuinely awful idea to place it right at the end. That being said, I'm not sure where it'd be an appropriate fit.
ReplyDeleteNice review Anna. There are so many reviews for this film at the moment - and I have to wait another month for it to hit Aussie shores :-( Looking forward to it, though.
ReplyDeleteContagion becomes a battle between what it is and what it could have been. It satisfies just enough to warrant its existence while frustrating one with its potential. Nice review. Check out my review when you get a chance!
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