'Side Effects' - A masterful thriller from a master director!
Steven Soderbergh is probably one of the most versatile directors of this age; from crime caper comedies, to taunt dramas, to thrilling action; Soderbergh has proved himself adept at each. Now with the thrilling, disquieting and almost Hitchcockian 'Side Effects', Soderbergh once again proves that he is the consummate filmmaker and master of all genres. Sadly, Soderbergh has said this is his last film before he retires; I for one am hoping that his alleged demise is greatly exaggerated.
In a noir piece perfectly suited for our current over medicated society; 'Side Effects' is a deliciously lurid tale of greed, excess, lies, deceit and our penchant for medicating the ills of the world away. Emily (Rooney Mara) and Martin Taylor (Channing Tatum) are a young, newly married couple when Martin is convicted of insider trading. Martin is sent away for four years as Emily is left to fend for herself and pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. Once Martin is released, the couple is forced to confront Emily's growing depression. Enter Dr. Jonathan Banks (Jude Law), an overworked psychologist who is moonlighting as a researcher with the drug company that produces the anti-depressant drug Ablixa.
Soderbergh does Hitchcock proud in a film the constantly blurs the lines between good, evil, madness and hero or villain. Just when you think you have the ending figured out, writer Scott Z. Burns tosses another startling turn. I could tell you more, but any one of the turns could be a potential spoiler. Needless to say, this is a movie that is best enjoyed in the theater and should be seen!
Jude Law, as usual is fantastic as the overworked and taken advantage of Dr. Banks. Channing Tatum continues to prove he is not just another beef cake but an actor on the rise (he always seems to shine for Soderbergh) and Rooney Mara is fantastic as the calculating Emily, where until the end you are left wondering just what is going on with her. The plot is filled with twists and turns that not only leave you guessing, but leave you on the edge of your seat. Fantastic details fill each shot and each shot is framed as well as filmed with loving expertise. Sodebergh and Burns fill each scene with plenty of socially significant themes that center around mental illness, ethics, malpractice, corporate greed, conspiracy as well as the weakness of our justice system. It is all delivered wrapped in a taunt psychological thriller that will leave you watching those drug commercials on TV in a whole new light.
While the red herrings pile up a little to heavily by the end; the end is satisfying none the less making 'Side Effects' a 4 star thriller; one of the best so far this year!