Film Review : TRAFFIC * * * *

Submitted by jblack on Fri, 02/15/2002 - 05:20
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Traffic (2000)

CAST Michael Douglas, Benecio Del Toro, Catherine Zeta Jones, Don Cheadle, Luis Guzman, Benjamin Bratt, James Brolin, Erika Christensen, Clifton Collins Jr. Miguel Ferrer, Dennis Quaid, Albert Finney, Steven Bauer

DIRECTOR Steven Soderbergh

Steven Soderbergh is as much a mystery to me as is the Arc of the Covenent. Making such disappointments as Erin Brockovich, and then turning around to make a great film like Traffic.

Traffic is a film which on the surface looks like a film about controlling drug trafficking between Mexico and The United Staes. And indeed it is. But there is much more to this film then that. Its about corruption of family, law enforcement, government and more. Dealing with so many issues and pulling them off for one film is a difficult task. Some how, Soderbergh does this, and makes it look easy.

Michael Douglas plays Judge Robert Wakefield, who has been given a new appointment as a Drug Czar. A position that did not exist until he got it. His fight against drugs is not only with the dealers and overlords, but at home with his sixteen year old daughter Caroline (played with oscar caliber by Erika Christensen). Benecio Del Toro plays Javier Rodriguez Rodriguez, a Mexican state policeman who is deeply involved in bringin down a huge Mexican drug cartel. Steven Bauer is Carlos Ayala, a man being tried for his illegal activity with drugs. Don Cheadle is Agent Montel Gordon. A police officer who is also working on the case.

its almost hard to explain all the goings on and sub plots in this film. One thing is for sure though, the pieces fit together as well as could be expected. The filming is brilliant. Soderbergh directs with a certain documentary type feel that pushes this movie along quickly, and it gives it a real life essence. Last year when Gladiator won the oscar, the makers of Traffic must have felt helpless. One things for sure in my eyes. Out of the nominess for Best picture last year, this one should have won. A masterpiece from a director who will soon become consistent. I'm almost sure of that.