Traffic

January 9, 2001

I dragged myself out of bed today to go see Traffic. It’s a really good film, although I disagree with the notion that it’s one of the year’s very best. While I love the movie from a technical level, I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters and really getting into the film on an emotional level. Steven Soderbergh’s deliberate, measured storytelling doesn’t help its emotional impact either. Still, it’s hard to complain too much about a movie that has this high a level of acting, directing and editing. A good movie, and a worthwhile way to spend 2+ hours. My fave recent Soderbergh remains Out of Sight.

P.S. I really loved the way Soderbergh shot all of Mexico in a burnt yellow tinge. Great stuff.

My top 5 films so far have been:

1. Almost Famous
2. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
3. State & Main
4. Gladiator
5. (Tie) High Fidelity
Charlie’s Angels

Did I just put Charlie’s Angels above Traffic? Huh. Go figure. I guess that’s why I’m not a professional critic. Of course, I fully believe that the best performance this year was by Owen Wilson in Shanghai Noon.

Anyway, that list is probably pretty safe, as I don’t see anything too great on the horizon. Only thing I can think of jumping up there would be In The Mood For Love, because I’m an absolute sucker for Wong Kar Wai and Christopher Doyle’s stupendous visuals.

Posted in Moving Pictures