Syriana

[grady]

A new film from the maker's of Traffic. This film is kind of a Traffic-esque approach to the geopolitical game surrounding the US, middle east, and Oil. A very large and solid cast, a great crew, and a good story.

After seeing the film last night I was expecting it to be a bit more confusing/jarring as some reviewers have criticized the film for being. However, if one pays attention to the screen and can think for themselves they will not be in the dark. Everything in the film was spelled out very clearly.

It's refreshing to see films like this being made. I can imagine there will be a knee-jerk response from right wing media sources regarding the films left leaning politics, but despite this aspect, it's still a very engaging and thought provoking film.

I believe the film is opening wide across the states on the 9th after playing for a limited run in NY/LA. People should definently make an effort to see this film despite the Narnia frenzy that will be going on this weekend.

official site
(http://syrianamovie.warnerbros.com/)

[Scott Warner]

It's pretty awesome. I saw it a few weeks ago here in L.A. and I agree that it's nice to see a film made with a decent budget that is as uncompromising as this one. The Clooney / Steven S. team has a lot of respect from me.

[adam]

They had mine since Solaris. I freaking love that movie so much. Good science fiction: a premise, an unusual situation, and a realistic portrayal of people trying to deal with that situation.

[potatobroth]

im checking out Syrianna this weekend. Good to hear favorable reviews. as for Solaris, i dont think any other single movie made me feel as bored/sleepy as it did. Great premise, above average acting; Clooney rarely phones it in, tranquil execution and i dont mean that in a good way.

[myrrh]

Yeah, I've been waiting to see this for awhile now. I can't wait.

[adam]

Don't mistake your lack of attention span for poor execution. :p

[grady]

It's unfortunate that Section Eight, Clooney and Soderbergh's production company will be coming to an eventually end in 06/07 when their contract expires with WB. Perhaps they might take shop up elsewhere in a different form.

[potatobroth]

Don't mistake your lack of attention span for poor execution. :p

hehe. but all kidding aside, i thought the soundtrack and flashbacks for Solaris created an overly dreamlike atmosphere (which i guess could work in the context of the film) that made me want to close my eyes and sleep. You cant deny its a VERY quiet movie.

but back on topic, every other Sod. movie ive seen to date ive loved. i dont think ill be sleepy during Syrianna.

[grady]

hehe. but all kidding aside, i thought the soundtrack and flashbacks for Solaris created an overly dreamlike atmosphere (which i guess could work in the context of the film) that made me want to close my eyes and sleep. You cant deny its a VERY quiet movie.

but back on topic, every other Sod. movie ive seen to date ive loved. i dont think ill be sleepy during Syrianna.

The soundtrack and the sound design of Solaris were incredible to listen to, esp. in a nice loud theater. Loud in the sense that there were very strong bass lines throughout the film coming from the soundtrack and the sounds of the space station, which I loved.

Also, the credits for Solaris were top notch too. I really enjoyed how the film just started and we didn't get the credits until the end of the film. They also chose a version of the Helvetica font I believe that was a bit slimmer or trimmed down and looked magnificent in the context of the overall design and presentation of the film.

Syriana is directed by Steve Gaghan, not quite like Soderbergh, but it has that feel.

[djeddy]

It's unfortunate that Section Eight, Clooney and Soderbergh's production company will be coming to an eventually end in 06/07 when their contract expires with WB. Perhaps they might take shop up elsewhere in a different form.


cough *weinstein bros*

[dubman]

the movie posters for this one are a lovely peice of work.
i wanna see it :)

[grady]

cough *weinstein bros*

Somehow I could see Soderbergh and Clooney butting heads a lot with Harvey.

[adam]

Saw this last night. Class. Rent it with The Constant Gardener for a light hearted evening filled with laughs!

[Animal Boything]

I thought this movie was decent but certainly not great. If Soderbergh had actually directed it, it might have been great, but it fell really short due to poor pacing and a general lack of relatable characters. All the dialogue had a very scripted feel to it, too, like every single line had to be dramatic and punchy, which might have worked better if the pacing had been better controlled. Honestly it probably should have been slower. I've seen this type of drama done well... Traffic was an example, Crash was an example, Good Night and Good Luck was an example... but this movie was ho-hum.

I could applaud its political message except that it's unlikely to appeal in the least to anyone who's not already convinced, much like a Michael Moore film or a bumper sticker. This isn't a film I'd flatly recommend to everyone.