TRAFFIC
A USA Films release 

review by Joseph B. MAuceri

SYNOPSIS: A Mexican police officer is seeking a path to redemption. A judge accepts a new position in the US Capital to continue the war one drugs, sacrificing his home front. A wife and mother receives a rude awaking when her husband is taken away by the DEA, and now she must face a threat against her family. Police, politicians, lawyers, dealers and children, "no one gets away clean."

REVIEW: TRAFFIC is a compelling thriller that gives audiences a glimpse into the destructive effects of drug trafficking on a broad spectrum of lives. The film takes approximately 21/2 hours to develop 5 storylines and bring them to resolution. Soderbergh employees all his skill as director/cinematographer to heighten mood and create specific atmospheres to shroud these characters. Soderbergh's craft gives TRAFFIC a look and feel I found reminiscent of Lars von Trier's work on "The Kingdom."

Unlike "The French Connection," the film relies on an ensemble cast to sell the plot and hold the audience on the edge.  TRAFFIC is not an action film, and becomes a more proactive film. It requires a commitment by the audience to see it through. TRAFFIC presents a clear, linear journey for each of these characters. For the majority of these players it is about the loss of innocence. People die, new players move in and nothing changes. Soderbergh clearly shows that the war on drugs can be measured through the corruption of lives. He paints no glamorous pictures. Politicians and drug dealers are human, and there is no rest for the wicked.

Michael Douglas delivers a powerful and memorable performance. There are scenes where you feel his pain and angst, playing specific scenes like George C. Scott in "Hardcore." At other times he conveys a sense of vulnerability like his father Kurt. There where moments where he could have easily been mistaken for him.

Catherine Zeta-Jones is given a rare opportunity here to work with a character that not only exhibits a wide range of emotions, but has an epiphany and evolves. Her character's pregnancy may distract some members of the audience, but she pulls it off with grace and style.

 Complimenting Soderbergh's cinematography and editing style is an interesting score by Cliff Martinez. A score that is a modern spin on a "Spaghetti Western" theme enhances the Mexican scenes. He creates movements that smoothly bridge transitions. If it is noticeable, it is because Martinez's score is different.

In any given year, Hollywood services up a bunch of action films, marketed at an adolescent audience, that puts a positive spin on drugs, or the war on drugs. When once we were confronted with images like "Midnight Express," we've become accustomed to thrill-rides like "Beverly Hills Cop." 2000 has given audiences two films that show the brutally realistic side to drug abuse, "Requiem for a Dream" and TRAFFIC. TRAFFIC takes a hard, cold look at the war from all possible angles and gives audiences a compelling cinematic experience, making it this year's "Insider."
 

OFFICIAL WEB SITE:
www.traffic-movie.com

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