Contagion

Niceness! Another 2011 film under my belt, so that I can analyze and criticize along with the rest of them for the 2012 Academy Awards! I'd tried unsuccessfully to see this film with a boy I greatly fancied when the billboards were visible all around the neighbourhood, but alas he had no interest in the film, and perhaps also me. But here I got to see a screening at the Warner Bros. studios and hear the writer of the film speak afterwards, thanks to a darling friend! Worth the wait!? I'd certainly say so! J

May I just say straight away that I terribly loved the soundtrack for this film by Cliff Martinez! It was a mixture of hip electronic, violins, and a combination of keyboard and drums; it definitely added to the thrill and excitement of this dramatic sci-fi feel. Now, lets give ode to the writer, the person that had the idea of bringing this story to life; his name Scott Z. Burns, who often times collaborates with also well-known director Steven Soderbergh (whose known for movies like Informant and the Ocean's 11, 12 and 13). Together they're a force to be reckoned with and undoubtedly are laughing all the way to the bank; it's magnificent when people find their niche and ways to work together over and over again, as it's the greatest recipe for long-term success; that and putting in the work of course also!

Contagion had many marvelous actors involved, Lawrence Fishburne, Jude Law, Matt Damon, Marion Cotillard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, and Sanaa Lathan to name a few. All of who delivered sensationally and had our fingernails gripping unto our cinema seats; for the threat of this type of epidemic was plausible and the audience could certainly relate to the reality of danger if it should indeed arise. I loved the 'realness' of the film, despite the already transfixing terror at hand with the disease outbreak, it had also the depth of characters from around the world in all different levels of situations, professions and concerns. Jude Law's character Alan Krumwiede, had a very distinct over-grown tusk, and loved ranting his theories. Gwyneth Paltrow's character Beth Emhoff, who played her sweet self but was having an affair behind her husband's back. And both Kate Winslet and Marion Cotillard that played doctors, and weren't glamorous one tiny bit but were bent on the business of saving lives.

All-in-all a brilliant and highly entertaining film, with worthy squeamish moments and backed-up by facts and thought-provoking content! I would highly recommend this film to be enjoyed with or without a handsome date! J