Director: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: Michael Douglas, Benicio Del Toro and Don Cheadle
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors have made movies which are as special as Don Cheadle. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Cheadle has become a celebrated icon. Whether it is drug traffickers, political leaders or hotel managers. Cheadle has portrayed countless powerful characters. Arguably, Cheadle’s finest strength as a star has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that poured his heart and soul into every role. Even when he is not the central focus of a movie, Cheadle has left a lasting impression. An actor with strong commitment to his craft, Cheadle has become a beloved icon in entertainment. Although he is best known for his role as War Machine in the MCU, Cheadle has proven he can make strong movies in every genre. Throughout his strong career, Cheadle has made many unforgettable movies which are definitely worth taking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Cheadle and adore all films he has made in his career. However, “Traffic” is definitely my favourite. Released in 2000, Steven Soderbergh’s movie offered a strong portrait of drug addiction. Packed with bold production design, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best films ever made about drug trafficking. At centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Don Cheadle, who portrayed a policeman seeking to resolve a drug crisis. Ultimately, what makes “Traffic” a crime classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about drug trafficking, the film tackles powerful themes everyone would relate to. A captivating crime classic, there are many strong reasons why “Traffic” is a movie worth seeing.
Set in Mexico, “Traffic” tells a story of various people that are impacted by drug trafficking that causes sorrow. Michael Douglas portrays Robert Wakefield, an FBI agent with a strong decision to taking care of his family. Robert is a righteous officer that has always held strong views against drug trafficking. However, his life drastically changes when he discovers painful evidence of drug trafficking causing a disaster. Discovering the consequences of his stressful work, Robert begins to question whether it is possible to overcome drug trafficking causing disaster. Assisted by longtime partner Montel Gordon (Don Cheadle), Robert seeks to resolve a drug crisis causing tension. As all the odds become stacked against his favour, Robert is forced to question whether he can overcome a drug disaster.
Steven Soderbergh is a newcomer towards the themes of drug addiction. Before he had made “Traffic”, Soderbergh has never created a drug trafficking movie before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of drug users facing tragedies but he succeeded. Through strong cinematography, Soderbergh captures drug users embarking on a journey to discover their identity. Inspired with Darren Aronofsky’s “Requiem for a Dream”, Soderbergh effectively uses montages to capture drug users that face adversity. For instance, montages enhance the drug use scene. During this memorable scene, Javier engages in substance abuse alongside his best friends in communion. Through strong montages, Soderbergh created a portrayal of drug addiction which is compelling. Montages are tricky techniques to use in film. The Russo Brothers’ “Avengers: Endgame” demonstrated that montages enhance comic-book movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Using stunning visuals, Soderbergh captures tensions that troubled drug addicts are often experiencing.
Another admirable aspect of “Traffic” which merits appreciation is the production design. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Soderbergh effectively uses production design to capture the lives of drug addicts enduring a decline. Throughout the movie, the location of Mexico plays a vital role in showing drug addicts facing tensions. For instance, the locations enhance the drug arrest scene. During this intense scene, Javier is caught for owning drugs by police causing tension. Through strong locations, Soderbergh crafts a compelling portrait of drug trafficking. Furthermore, the musical score is captivating. Cliff Martinez’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that drug abusers bear. Through strong production, Soderbergh captures the lives of drug traffickers enduring tension.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “Traffic” is a film about drug trafficking that’s compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses silence to capture the lives of drug addicts that are impacted with violence. Throughout the movie, Soderbergh effectively uses silence to capture the lives of drug users facing catastrophes. For instance, the silence enhances the farewell scene. During this sad scene, Javier bids emotional farewell towards his friends as they face drug arrests. Through silence, Soderbergh creates a portrait of drug users audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in film. Terry George’s “Hotel Rwanda” suggested silence enhances movies about genocide. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this film. Through a powerful screenplay, Soderbergh captures the lives of drug users that experience a painful price to pay.
One appreciates astonishing performances.
Don Cheadle delivers one of his finest career performances as Montel. Cheadle achieved appreciation for portraying hotel managers in Rwanda. With “Traffic”, however, he took upon his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a drug addict that engages in substance abuse causing tragedy but he succeeded immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Cheadle has always excelled at playing emotional characters that face pressure and “Traffic” demonstrated his strengths as an actor. With strong expressions, he captures the angst, desperation and grief of a drug addict facing tension. It’s a powerful performance from one of the greatest African actors today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Don Cheadle, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Benicio Del Toro is brilliant, capturing the sorrow of a drug user that struggles to deal with addiction causing his life to hit a low. Michael Douglas is magnificent, capturing the courageous nature of a cop seeking to solve drug trafficking that is dangerous. Lastly, Catherine Zeta-Jones is captivating. As a commemorated woman enduring severe drug addiction, she brings heartfelt emotion toward the movie.
Finally, “Traffic” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing drug trafficking that is tragic. Unlike most movies about drug abuse, the movie tackles strong themes everyone wil relate to. It discusses strong themes including addiction, mental health and substance abuse which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be interested in drugs abuse to enjoy it. It delivers a thoughtful message on substance abuse which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Traffic” is one of those rare movies about drug trafficking everyone will adore.
Fans of Don Cheadle will definitely appreciate “Traffic” and so will movie-goers that seek exhilarating entertainment. A captivating crime classic, it honours an actor that’s iconic.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking crime film about drugs that criminals seek to traffic causing consequences that are tragic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated actor that has earned a huge following for his abilities to portray empathetic characters in iconic movies which have always captivated the public.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 