Director: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne and Gwyneth Paltrow
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Hollywood have achieved recognition of Matt Damon. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Damon has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s space scavengers, gifted janitors or troubled soldiers, Damon has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Damon’s finest strength as an actor has often been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has always had talent for stealing the show in supporting roles which have limited screen-time. Even when he isn’t a main focus of a movie, Damon has always left a lasting impression. Through his capability to portray characters that are engaging, Damon has built a legacy that’s lasting. Although he is best known for his iconic role as Bourne in the spy franchise, Damon has proven that he can make engaging movies in every single genre. Throughout his enduring career, Damon has made several unforgettable movies which are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Damon and adore all movies which he has created in his career. However, “Contagion” is my favourite. Released in 2011, Steven Soderbergh’s movie offered a powerful portrayal of contagious viruses. Packed with breathtaking production-design, engrossing storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best movies ever made about viruses. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Matt Damon, who portrays a scientist that seeks to battle a virus that causes destruction. Ultimately, what makes “Contagion” a riveting masterpiece is its timely nature. In light of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the film delivers a strong message about viruses that is relevant today. A mesmerizing masterpiece about viruses that are terrifying, there are several strong reasons why “Contagion” is a commemorated film that is worth seeing.
Set in an apocalyptic world, “Contagion” tells the story of a virus causing destruction. Matt Damon portrays Mitch Emhoff, a scientist with a strong interest in contagious viruses which cause devastation. Mitch has always had the talent for resolving dangerous viruses which come with consequences. However, Mitch’s life drastically changes when he witnesses a grim virus causing disaster. Assisted by a team of dedicated scientists that’s led by Ellis Cheever (Laurence Fishburne), Mitch seeks to resolve a virus causing the world to burn. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Mitch begins to wonder whether it’s possible any longer for him to deal with a virus causing disaster. Facing a crisis situation, Mitch questions his devotion to a tense profession in which viruses cause the world to face destruction.
Steven Soderbergh is a newcomer towards the stories of viruses. Before he made “Contagion”, Soderbergh had never made a film about dark viruses before. It was the filmmaker’s attempt to capture contagious viruses causing tragedy, but he succeeded tremendously. Using strong cinematography, Soderbergh captures a grim virus causing the world to endure catastrophe. Emulating Roland Emmerich’s “Independence Day”, Soderbergh successfully uses handheld camerawork to capture viruses that come with a price to pay. For instance, handheld cameras elevate the virus discoveries scene. During this intense scene, Mitch discovers evidence of the virus for the first time that causes destruction. Using handheld camera, Soderbergh captures viruses causing a dilemma. Handheld camera is a tricky technique to use in most movies. As Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed” suggested, handheld camera enhances crime films about gangsters. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Using stunning visuals, Soderbergh captures contagious viruses which prove to be terrifying.
Another admirable aspect of “Contagion” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Evoking Francis Lawrence’s “I Am Legend”, Soderbergh effectively uses strong production design of hospitals to capture an apocalypse that leads the world to decline. For instance, set design enhances the hospitals seizure scene. During this frightening scene, Beth has a terrifying seizure as she faces grim symptoms of the virus. Using the production of hospitals, Soderbergh constructs a portrait of viruses that is compelling. Moreover, the music is marvellous. Cliff Martinez’ score is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden which viruses bear. Through phenomenal production, Soderbergh captures viruses which cause the world to face destruction.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Contagion” is a movie about viruses that’s compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and expertly uses silence to capture lives of individuals affected by a virus which causes violence. Throughout the movie, Soderbergh successfully uses silence to capture viruses causing a traumatic incidence. For instance, silence enhances the virus aftermath scene. During this unforgettable scene, Mitch faces tension as he discovers his family has been infected by the virus. Using strong sequences of silence, Soderbergh creates a portrait of viruses which audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in movies. Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” proved that silence enhances biopics about historic inventors. Steven Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan” suggested that silence movies about WWII. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Soderbergh captures viruses that come with a price to pay.
One appreciates astonishing performances.
Matt Damon delivers one of his best career performances as Mitch. Damon first earned appreciation for portraying gifted janitors in iconic coming of age films. With “Contagion”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a scientist that seeks to resolve a contagious virus causing adversity, but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. Damon has often excelled at portraying emotional heroes under intense pressure, and “Contagion” showcased his strengths as a commemorated actor. With riveting expressions, he captures angst, grief and determination of a commemorated scientist seeking to resolve viruses causing destruction. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most celebrated actors working in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Matt Damon, the supporting cash is stellar and worthy of appreciation. Gwyneth Paltrow is phenomenal, capturing sorrow of a woman that becomes the victim of a virus that causes life to hit a crushing low. Laurence Fishburne is fantastic, capturing the stern nature of a bold scientist seeking to learn ways of preventing a virus causing the world to burn. Lastly, Jude Law merits appreciation. As an aging scientist, he brings wisdom to the movie.
Finally, “Contagion” would earn appreciation of everyone for capturing viruses causing intense destruction. Unlike most movies about viruses, the film tackles strong themes which everyone will relate to. It discusses strong themes such anxiety, mental health and science that would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be interested in viruses to appreciate it. The film delivers a bold message about pandemic that would absolutely resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Contagion” is one of those rare films about viruses that everyone would be able to adore.
Fans of Matt Damon would definitely enjoy “Contagion” and so would movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertaining. A riveting period piece about a virus, it honours an actor there precious.
Nearly 25 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about contagious viruses causing destruction, it’s a captivating reminder about a commemorated actor with strong dedication towards his craft that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his career which are worthy of appreciation.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 