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Review rated by 9 Ciao members on average: very helpful
I was attracted to going to see Traffic after being impressed by Steve Soderbergh's other films. Most notably 'Sex Lies and Videotape' and 'Erin Brockovich'. Once again he has proved his versatility as a director.
The film:
The film tells the story of a newly commissioned Drugs ambassador whose mission is to rid America of the drug problem. The film does not try to hide the fact that this is a near impossible task and makes for rather depressing viewing. However, the way in which it is presented is compelling. The whole movie is shot in a 'home video' way to make it feel more gritty and realistic. This works to great effect.
All of the scenes that occur in Mexico are shot in a almost colourless sepia affect. This serves two purposes, a) to let the audience know where they currently are and b) to portray Mexico as even more disturbing than America.
The drugs ambassador (played by Michael Douglas) also has to contend with the fact that his daughter is addicted to cocaine. This therefore makes his job all the more important but ironically at the same time even more impossible.
This is an extremely thought provoking film that will definitely disturb as its ultimate message appears to be saying that nothing can be done about the problem.
The Cast:
Michael Douglas once again plays the wealthy role that he is so well known for but this time you get to see him playing both a much more human role in the family scenes.
Don Cheadle plays one of two DEA agents whom throughout the film are desperately trying any legal method they can to make a drugs bust.
Benicio Del Toro plays the Mexican cop also trying to bust the same drugs cartel but with more questionable methods. It is worth pointing just how incredibly well Del Toro play this role. He is truly believable and deserves any award that is thrown at him.
Dennis Quaid plays the dodgy (though who isn't in this film) lawyer whose job it is to try to get the (guilty) drug trafficking husband of Catherine Zeta Jones out of prison. This is a fairly small role for Quaid but his appearances are memorable.
Catherine Zeta-Jones play the pregnant wife, though I'm not sure whether it is mentioned that she is pregnant in any of the film. Again, this is a relatively small but hugely significant role for her.
estry of three separate stories woven together by a common theme: the war on drugs. Bold in scope, it showcases Steven Soderbergh at the top of his game, directing a peer...
estry of three separate stories woven together by a common theme: the war on drugs. Bold in scope, it showcases Steven Soderbergh at the top of his game, directing a peer...
Frequency (DVD) Production Year: 2000 - Drama - Director: Gregory Hoblit - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Andre Braugher, Jim Caviezel, Noah Emmerich, Dennis Quaid, Shawn Doyle, Elizabeth Mitchell 47 reviews Buy now for only £ 1.49
![Traffic [DVD] [2001]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78540259.jpg)
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