Tag: steven soderbergh

Ka-ching! “The Laundromat” (2019)

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directed by Steven Soderbergh
© 2019 Netflix. All Rights Reserved.

Have you ever heard Gary Oldman speaking with a German accent? No matter what your answer is, you have to see him in today’s film. If I was asked to point out the most important character of the story, that would be his. Without Oldman, this film wouldn’t be the same. Obviously, I’m joking a bit, but it’s really worth watching “The Laundromat” just to hear this accent. If you check today’s film’s ratings, you’ll see very different opinions. I don’t think it’s a masterpiece, but it’s not that bad either. I would say it’s an average film, but I want to recommend it, because of two reasons. Firstly, it presents the topic of money laundering. Secondly, it’s very relaxing, despite its main topic. So lets focus on the story. There are actually three of them. Each story presents people whose life has been somehow affected by the Mossack Fonseca company. If you haven’t heard of them, let me tell you it’s a Panamanian law firm and corporate service provider. And just so you know, they were huge. The past tense isn’t a mistake here. They stopped existing in 2018 because of Panama Papers. I know, you have no idea what I’m talking about. Let’s just say the company knew how to earn money by not obeying the rules. The film explains the whole process in an easy way, so you will see yourselves. The company was run by two men, Jürgen Mossack and Ramón Fonseca, and they are the narrators of the film (played by Gary Oldman and Antonio Banderas) telling us how much they screwed people’s lives. Sweet! As I said, this production is very relaxing and, even though it explains quite complicated stuff going on in the company, you can get it even if you’re super tired and hangover. I’m glad they didn’t make any serious drama out of this topic, because that would be pointless and boring. Instead, I had a good laugh and learnt something new. True that the stories in the film are overdramatised, but I think it’s on purpose. The ending in on point and it also explains the way the film is done. At least I understood it like that. Besides, Meryl Streep is there, so it’s a must-see!

My rating: 6/10
S.

All you need is an iPhone 7 Plus. “Unsane” (2018)

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directed by Steven Soderbergh
© 2018 20th Century Fox. All Rights Reserved.

I can’t even express how much thankful I am for this film. Mr Soderbergh, you are a wonderful person! I already love your other films, but this time you have taken my heart and petted it with extra care. Unfortunately, not many feel the same way and this film is rated something around 6/10. Not bad, but why am I so excited about a 6/10 film? First let me tell you what the story is about. The main character is Sawyer (Claire Foy) who decides to see a counsellor at a mental institution. She finds it difficult to interact with men due to the fact that she used to have a stalker and she keeps seeing him everywhere. At the end of the short appointment Sawyer signs some documents. Here’s a lovely lesson: read what you’re signing. Accidentally, she agreed to be kept there as a patient for 24 hours. Unfortunately, she cannot leave the place and has to survive this one day with mentally unstable people. It can’t get any worse, right? Oh wait, it can. What if we put the stalker inside? That’ll be fun! But maybe it’s just in her head? Who knows. I mean I know, but it’s because I’ve seen the film. Anyway, now I can tell you why I think it’s a great production. Because I agree that the script is quite basic, the acting is so shallow (except the main character) and we can find typical horror/thriller elements there, practically no surprises. Then why? Because it’s done on purpose. I think Soderbergh wanted to laugh at all the stereotypical thrillers and at the same time show us that the filmmaking skill is more important than the story itself. He decided to record the whole film using an iPhone 7 Plus, not any professional camera. Thanks to that we get more realistic pictures that make us feel uncomfortable (which is a plus in thrillers). And also the contrast between Claire Foy and other actors – she’s the one who is very natural while the rest are acting like soap opera extras. This isn’t bad acting. This was done on purpose to expose Sawyer. But the best thing about this film are the shots. I could literally take any frame out of this film and hang it on my wall. I’m sure cameramen are satisfied with it a lot. It’s not a film for everyone. It is a lame thriller when it comes to the script, but it’s a very well-done motion picture and a tribute to cameramen. And also a bit of mocking about all those guys thinking that the better equipment you have the better filmmaker you are. Yeah, I know it hurts when you realise you can’t buy talent.

My rating: 7/10
S.