Movie Review:
‘Contagion’
gcsunade | gcsunade.com- Courtesy of Warner Bros Entertainment
The critics got it wrong on this one. Though I usually agree with many critical ratings of movies, both the good and the bad, I occasionally come across a movie that the critics hail as revolutionary and important that I just don’t care for at all. This is exactly what happened in the case of “Contagion.”
The plot of “Contagion” follows the disease more than any single character. The trailers seem to suggest that Matt Damon is the main character, lending to its fever pitch hype and people’s distorted perception of its quality. Plus, the variety of talented actors who make up the cast lends itself to thinking the movie might be better than it is.
This dynamic cast includes several important scenes with Gwyneth Paltrow, Marion Cotillard, Demetri Martin (in a non-comedic role), Kate Winslet and other notable Hollywood regulars; and each of them plays his or her part very well. Laurence Fishburne even delivers a performance the likes of which we haven’t seen since he was Morpheus.
But, if anyone steals the show in this modern adaptation of the black plague, it’s Jude Law. His character, a blogger and journalist predicts the pandemic and becomes known as a “prophet.” Law keeps a little bit of the intrigue and excitement going as he clashes with the stoic and secretive government’s crisis response.
I expected to fully enjoy “Contagion” when I entered the theater, thinking of it more as an action flick about a biological weapon than the depressing and slow picture of society and biology that it was. It did have a lot of important things to say, but achieved more of the feel of a documentary than a blockbuster movie.
Don’t get me wrong, “Contagion” has a message that a modern apathetic audience should hear. It will make you think twice before skipping washing your hands or aimlessly touching your face. Its social message about defending yourself from disease and caring for the sick pulls at the heartstrings of its viewers.
Its vision of an anarchic society, bent on self-interest, is entirely reasonable and applicable to a potential apocalyptic world. Also, it seems to be an entirely thorough depiction of a pandemic situation, leaving no stone unturned showing an imagined international response to the disease.
But this dedication to accuracy and importance does not nearly save the movie from being a bore to many mainstream audiences. It also could breed a new generation of hypochondriacs and germophobes.
The social message of “Contagion” does not make up for it being so hideously boring. If you want to be inspired to be more socially responsible or to enjoy a nice two-hour nap, go see “Contagion.” If not, you will do just as well by passing on it and making a concerted effort to just wash your hands more.
Grade: C+
Posted by Ryan Del Campo
on Sep 15 2011. Filed under Features, Reviews.
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