Side Effects: May Include Brain Damage

I don't really mean the title in a literal sense and not even in a bad sense. The movie was great and it would make you think a lot, hence the brain damage. Unless of course you like these types of movies.

Emily (Rooney Mara) is reunited with his husband Martin (Channing Tatum) who was imprisoned for four years due to insider trading. Hoping to start a new life with her husband does not go smoothly since for some unknown reason, she's going under depression and almost killed herself. Dr. Jonathan Banks (Jude Law), a psychiatrist, takes Emily under his care and prescribes anti-depressants but none of them seem to work at all. Dr. Banks visits Emily's former doctor (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and suggests that he give Emily a new drug called Ablixa. Dr. Banks, knowing Ablixa is still new and experimental, reluctantly allows Emily to take it after another suicide attempt. Miraculously, the drug works on her this time and she manages to live her life normally again with a minor side effect which is sleepwalking. The movie doesn't end there though since all hell breaks loose when Emily kills her husband while sleepwalking. Emily is confined to a mental hospital and not prison since she was not fully aware of her actions when she killed her wife. Dr. Banks career however starts to crumble since he was the one who prescribed the faulty drug to Emily. With his pride and name on the line, he investigates to know what went wrong and as he digs deeper, he finds himself in a bigger mess and the truth behind all the lies.

This movie reminds me of the medical thriller movie Contagion which was also directed by Steven Soderbergh. Both films are great in their own extraordinary way. Personally I couldn't really relate to the concept of the movie. We Filipinos don't really make use of anti-depressants that much since we are happy in nature and if we're depressed, family and friends are always there. On the bright side, I appreciate that Soderbergh introduces the culture of a country reliant on anti-depressant drugs when coping up with, of course, depression. Correct me if I'm wrong but that's one of the themes I saw in the movie; a country reliant on these types of drugs that they have an advertisement for it on television. The fact that I mention this means that here in my country, we don't have those types of ads. 

Cultural differences aside, I really appreciate the build-up of the story. The first thirty minutes really shows Emily struggling with her depression. Very realistic and convincing. Rooney Mara's acting is so good that even her character, Emily, acts so well (you'll get what I mean when you watch it). Jude Law and Catherine Zeta-Jones also give stellar performances in this movie. The way they bring life to their characters is amazing. The characterization was well done. Each character had his/her own distinct and strong characteristic that leaves a huge first impression but this impression is constantly challenged as the film continues to unravel.

The story is very interesting and even has a Hitchcock vibe into it. A dramatic and thrilling build up followed by a twist and turn of events will keep you at the edge of your seat and keep you guessing as well. The first half is focused on Emily and her struggles from depression while the second half follows the struggles Dr. Banks on his quest to clear his name. There is an attachment from the viewer to the character as the characters struggle with the conflicts they have. You are no longer a mere viewer of the film; you are part of the film.  The first half would make you sympathize with Emily as she goes through her depression and confinement and by the second half, you investigate and find clues with Dr. Banks as he tries to clear up his name. By the time the big surprise is revealed, the sense of accomplishment is not limited to the character but in you as well.

Soderbergh is really a great director. What I really love about him is his consistent and noticeable directing style. Having watched Behind the Candelabra and Side Effects in succession made me appreciate it more. You don't really need to see both films to notice it since watching one would already prove my point. The way he wants it edited and shot is very apparent. He does this jump cuts from one sequence to another which actually works. He sure knows how to make the audience remember him. 

The cinematography is awesome as well. The simple use of depth of field gives a whole new meaning to a shot. I took notice of a scene in a cruise ship where Emily starts crying and goes out to the ship deck for a fresh air. The camera is still inside the party hall but pans through a transparent glass where we see Martin follow and comfort her and while this is happening, the reflection of the guests inside the room is seen on the transparent glass as they look at the couple outside. Genius, rather than having the camera outside and see the guests from the inside looking at them.

The musical score was eerie and mysterious, a perfect fit for a movie like this. Not over the top and domineering. Just right.

In conclusion, Side Effects is a great thriller film. May not exactly be for everyone since it requires a great load of patience and analytical skills. There may be a few dull moments but it's not really worth fretting over. Might not be a good idea to watch this when you're depressed though since it might give you ideas.

Rating: 3.5/5

Behind The Candelabra: Flamboyance at its Finest

The film was indeed 'Too Gay' but who cares when it's two Academy Award Winning Actors doing one another.

The film is based on Scott Thorson's book "Behind the Candelabra: My Life with Liberace". It premiered during the 2013 Cannes Film Festival and was later aired at HBO. Before I further continue babbling about the movie, let me tell you first a brief background of who Liberace is. Liberace was an American pianist who was very known for his flamboyance on stage. During his time, there were rumors that he was gay but he would sue anyone who dared to say so. Later in his life, the same period where the movie focused on, he had a secret affair with a much younger man named Scott Thorson and that's where the story of the film begins. The love between them started off fantastic and wild but as it reached its highest peak, it had nowhere else to go but down. In this film you will witness one hell of a ride (no pun intended) between two gay men and the struggles they had to face in life. 

Michael Douglas plays the role of the fabulous pianist Liberace while Matt Damon plays the young lover Scott Thorson. As expected from Academy Award winners, their acting is superb! Douglas' performance and portrayal of Liberace was splendid and spectacular. He wore those Liberace inspired costumes like he wears them everyday. Douglas versatility in acting really deserves a huge round of applause. Not only does he portray a gay character but he was able to make it real. He was successful in introducing who Liberace was to people who did not know him. I may have not seen Liberace before he died but with Douglas' performance, I'm pretty sure I get a clear picture of what the Vegas pianist was like. Of course, Matt Damon does not fall far behind. His portrayal of the young man who fell in love with Liberace was worth praising well. I love how he can show such great deal of emotion even without saying anything. In the latter part of the film, he's usually angry and he doesn't have to tell you that he is, you just know judging from his face and acting. Hands down, these two actors was a key in making this film a success. There were no inhibitions especially to the numerous sex and kissing scenes they shared. As a viewer, you can feel what's going on between them. You may not be a fan of two guys going at each other but their love is no different from that of straight couples. I think. If there's anything I learned about Liberace in the film is that he's a weird lover. So I can't really say.

The story is pretty much great on its own I think especially if its based on real events. What it really needed in order for it to work was a great director and great actors, which it did have. The progression of the story was really good and it made me want to watch it more. There were no dull moments and every scene and shot has its own significance to the movie. The climax was intense (no pun intended...again) as we see a reversal of situation for the characters. As much as I wanna say more I'd be spoiling it already but one thing is clear, it shows that you have to fight for what you want to keep but without losing yourself in the process.

The 'too gay' quote earlier was based on the reaction of Hollywood studios when Director Steven Sodenbergh was asking for financial support in order to finish the film. Thank goodness that HBO was open about it and funded the film. Sodenbergh really did a good job in his supposedly last film before his hiatus. That's one way to exit Hollywood even for just a while. Great direction, cinematography, and editing. I love the shots whenever Scott is drunk and high. The camera is shaky and everything is blurred aside from what Scott can clearly see. There was also a plastic surgery scene which I did not need to see at all. The set design was also magnificent. It really gives off the 80s vibe and not to mention the musical score by Marvin Hamlisch was wonderful and well fitting into the movie. Sadly, the poor fellow died on August last year. 

Basically, Behind The Candelabra is worth watching if you're not really the homophobic type of person. If you appreciate good acting, great characterization, grand set design and Matt Damon's bare butt then this is the movie for you.

Rating: 4/5