Doomsday stories revolving around an apocalyptic viral outbreak are nothing new in pop culture. In fact, a decent argument could be made that the subject has been fairly mined to death with novels like Stephen King's The Stand, TV shows like Chris Carter's Millennium, and even movies like the Dustin Hoffman thriller Outbreak (never mind the zombie films of George Romero and his legion of imitators).
But in recent years, thanks in large part to the Mayan prophecies related to the rapidly approaching year 2012, mass death by disease has taken a decided backseat in the apocalypse business to extinction through natural disaster.
With his own entry into the viral armageddon sweepstakes, director Steven Soderberg seeks to remedy this unfortunate situation. The resulting blockbuster Contagion succeeds in doing so on virtually every level. With an amazing ensemble cast of A-list actors like Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Lawrence Fishburne and Jude Law, Soderberg weaves together a series of interconnecting stories not unlike those found in his previous anti-drug war film Traffic.
As with that film, there is a contemporary sort of realism to the story that borders on an almost documentary sort of feel. Part of this is due to references to recent events like the over-hyped swine flu virus (acknowledged in the story as government types ponder a "chicken little" reaction from the public when the threat is real this time), as well as a clever weaving of real science with the fictional storyline.
The pacing of the film is also key. It starts abruptly with a cough (no opening credit roll), and from there the events unfold so rapidly, you don't dare leave your seat for a bathroom break. Despite the mounting seriousness of the situation however, the story is told very deliberately. There is none of the big budget special effects of similar doomsday disaster films, and unlike the more gritty, herky-jerky camera work of Traffic, Contagion unfolds like the sort of real time reporting you might find on CNN if this were being reported as a real event.
Despite its realistic feel, there are a few holes though. When Matt Damon's character tries to leave the city as the pandemic spreads and the inevitable looting and lawlessness starts, he meets a blockade of law enforcement at the border. The ensuing argument goes on a bit too long for what I would think would be martial law conditions in a similar real life crisis. When the bodies begin to pile up in the streets, it is also a bit curious that burning them is never considered — even as the government runs out of body bags.
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Article comments
1 - John Lake
It was a documentary style of film that held my attention. It seemed the writers had made some effort to determine what would in fact happen in the event of such and epidemic. The interplay of characters was riveting, but as to the backdrop, I had some questions. For example, if the world population is days from death, what is the point of looters invading an empty bank? And the other question, what would cause the piles of garbage and waste to be spilled and spread all over the streets? Beyond that, it was an enjoyable motion picture.
2 - Glen Boyd
There are definitely some holes. I addressed a few of them in my review, you address a few others here. But overall, an enjoyable picture like you say, and probably as close to a realistic depiction of such an event as you're likely to ever get from Hollywood.
-Glen
3 - RJ
Good review. I look forward to seeing this one while it's still in theaters.
- RJ
4 - Usman
Good luck!
5 - mizzdebz
Thanks for the excellent review. I probably wouldn't even consider seeing it in the theater, and now I may! :)