Overall Rating: 87.4
"Contagion" shows Steven Soderbergh at his best. Very few directors can take a wide ensemble of A-list actors and have them each play their small roles to create a film that plays bigger than said actors. Soderbergh has always been more interested in telling stories than showcasing celebrity.
The story of "Contagion" follows the spread of an unknown and deadly virus, and the health officials racing to try and contain and vaccinate it. After his wife returns from Hong Kong and dies suddenly, Mitch Emhoff (Damon) looks for answers while trying to protect his daughter. The spread of the illness forces members of the CDC (Fishburne, Winslet) and WHO (Marion Cotillard) to race for a cure, while a blogger (Jude Law) tries to capitalize off the breakout in every way possible as the voice of the people.
Of all the actors, Damon shines as the overly protective father who has already lost his wife and stepson to the illness, and now must protect his teenage daughter. While the world is crumbling down around him, Emhoff's primary concern is sheltering his daughter from not only the illness, but from the chaos that society has become.
Soderbergh is known for taking risks with his films, and with "Contagion" he harkens back to the days of "Traffic" with the style and quick editing. The pulsating soundtrack during the quick montages bring the audience to the edge of their seat.
With an incredible ensemble cast and intense plot, "Contagion" shows what can happen when actors come together for a great director: a great film. Just be sure not to watch while under the weather, or you may have nightmares.
Individual Ratings
Enjoyment Factor: 7
Dialogue: 8
Acting: 10
Direction: 9
Audio/Visual: 7
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