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In 1989, at the age of 26, Steven Soderbergh snapped moviegoers to attention with the independently-produced "sex, lies and videotape." When the film went on to gross a respectable $25 million, attitudes about independent filmmaking began to change. Directors and studios realized that independent features were an untapped reservoir of creativity.
Soderbergh, even early in his career, rebelled against the status quo by refusing to cash in on the success of "sex, lies and videotape." Eschewing the opportunity to go mainstream, the director instead turned his attention to indie fare like "Kafka," "King of the Hill" (not the TV show), and "Schizopolis." In 1998 he unknowingly launched a second revolution by directing the major-studio release, "Out of Sight." Starring George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez, "Out of Sight" has the pulse of an independent feature, but the production and budget of a studio film. Soderbergh proved that big studios could produce slick, innovative films. Without "Out of Sight" to blaze the trail it's doubtful a film like "Three Kings" would have been made.
"Out of Sight" dug Soderbergh's name into the consciousness of many moviegoers. Utilizing time-bending cuts, unusual quiet moments, and exquisite, dreamy cinematography, "Out of Sight" showcases Soderbergh's gift and is a standard-bearer for the importance of good direction. Without Soderbergh's touch, "Sight" would have been a hokey crime caper. Instead, it became the finest book-to-film adaptation of the last decade — it actually feels like a novel.
While critically lauded, and now a cult hit, "Sight" only made $37 million domestically (it cost $48 million to make). Despite the lackluster showing of "Sight," Soderbergh stuck to his guns by directing "The Limey." Starring Terrence Stamp and Peter Fonda, "Limey" expands on the jump-cutting and time-shifting Soderbergh used in "Sight." Again, his visual style attracted critics but not general audiences. Earlier this year, Soderbergh hit box-office pay dirt with "Erin Brockovich." With Julia Roberts providing the celebrity firepower, the film vaulted past $100 million and landed Soderbergh in a unique group of directors who have achieved both critical and financial success.
Soderbergh's status as a critical darling hasn't landed his name on many awards lists. In 1990 "sex, lies and videotape" earned Soderbergh a nomination for a screenwriting Oscar, but he has yet to be noted for his direction — a situation that may change with his next film, "Traffic." Set to open December 22, "Traffic" is an epic look at the modern-day drug war — the kind of movie that could stir public debate and light a fire under Academy voters. "The Insider" followed a similar path in 1999, netting a Best Director nomination for Michael Mann.
If "Traffic" fails to garner awards, or box office, Soderbergh still has a ringer in his back pocket. His remake of "Ocean's 11" will begin filming early next year. The comedic ensemble features George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and a host of others, but what's most exciting will be seeing how Soderbergh injects his unique style into the film.
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Director Filmography:
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| The Informant |
2004 |
| Ocean's Twelve |
2004 |
| Solaris | Spotlight |
2002 |
| Full Frontal |
2002 |
| Ocean's Eleven | Spotlight |
2001 |
| Traffic |
2000 |
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Erin Brockovich |
2000 |
| The Limey |
1999 |
| Out of Sight |
1998 |
| Schizopolis |
1996 |
| Gray's Anatomy |
1996 |
| Underneath |
1995 |
| King of the Hill |
1993 |
| Kafka |
1991 |
| Sex, Lies, and Videotape |
1989 |
| 9012 Live |
1986 |
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Full IMDb Filmography
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Matt Damon: Corporate Raider
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Matt Damon will play a blue-collar government mole in Steven Soderbergh's "The Informant," reports Variety. The film -- an adaptation of Kurt Eichenwald's non-fiction book -- follows Mark Whitacre (Damon), a young Archer Daniels Midland employee who works with the FBI to gather evidence of ADM's price-fixing scheme.
The production's start date depends on how quickly Soderbergh films "Ocean's Twelve," which is slated to begin in March 2004. In the meantime, you can satisfy your "Informant" curiosity by visiting the book's official site. While there, be sure to peruse the photos, particularly the shot of Wiseacre posing in front of a "Whatever It Takes" motivational poster. It's whistle-blowing capitalism at its finest.
Posted: 01/29/03
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Review: Full Frontal
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Full Frontal (Grade: C) — Steven Soderbergh takes a break from big-budget pictures with this quickly-shot project, but the end result is more of an acting exercise than a film. Reviewed by Brian Orndorf.
Posted: 07/29/02
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Stephen Soderbergh, George Clooney Dive Into Solaris
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After bathing in Rat Pack cool in "Ocean's Eleven," Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney are reteaming for a very different project. The pair are the creative force behind an adaptation/remake of the sci-fi thriller "Solaris."
Based on the novel by Stanislaw Lem, the film's action is centered on Clooney's character, a psychologist who travels to a space station orbiting an all-ocean alien planet to investigate odd happenings with the crew. The story dips and weaves through subconscious and memory, so don't expect any laser fights or deep-space explosions. Judging by the just-released teaser trailer Soderbergh is shooting for--and achieving, at least with the teaser--a creepy mood. Set pictures from Coming Attractions elicit the same ominous feeling.
Production on "Solaris" is in full swing, with the film slated for release December 13. We'll be keeping an eye on this project through its spotlight page.
Posted: 06/26/02
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Steven Soderbergh: Vacations are for Wussies
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Variety has a rundown on Steven Soderbergh's upcoming projects.
On April 29 Soderbergh will reteam with his "Ocean's 11" star George Clooney for a remake of the 1972 sci-fi film "Solaris." After that he's expected to work with "Traffic" Oscar-winner Benicio Del Toro on a biopic about Che Guevara. Other projects on Soderbergh's plate are:
- "The King Incorporated": Set around 1900, this is the nonfiction story of a shipping clerk who topples the king of Belgium.
- "The Informer" or "The Informant": Described by its IMDb listing as a true story about an executive who works with the FBI to reveal his company's price-fixing activities.
- A different, untitled project set against a corporate espionage backdrop.
Soderbergh has also completed work on the digitally-made, low-budget ensemble "Full Frontal." The film is scheduled for release August 2.
Posted: 04/04/02
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Review: Ocean's Eleven
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Ocean's Eleven (Grade: A-) — Director Steven Soderbergh and his high-powered cast of A-listers work their magic in this slick Vegas caper. Reviewed by Brian Orndorf.
Posted: 12/05/01
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New Ocean's 11 Trailer Breeds Ample Anticipation
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Steven Soderbergh's remake of "Ocean's 11" will generate copious amounts of publicity with its star power alone, but Warner Bros. is playing it safe by traveling traditional marketing roads as well. Take, for example, the sweet new trailer now available for your downloading pleasure.
The trailer reveals "Ocean's" to be a "Get Shorty"-esque caper flick where all the principals are clearly having a great time. George Clooney, Matt Damon, and Brad Pitt have particularly broad smirks throughout the promo reel, and really, can you blame them? Uniting for a laid-back, fun-as-hell heist movie has to be acting nirvana for these guys.
"Ocean's 11" premieres December 7. The trailer is available in a variety of formats and file sizes at Coming Soon.
Posted: 10/05/01
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Soderbergh to Revisit Sex, Lies, and Videotape
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The novelty of being nominated for two Best Director Oscars in one year may have something to do with Steven Soderbergh's recent decision to attempt his first sequel. Or maybe I'm making connections that just aren't there. Whatever the reason, The Hollywood Reporter says Soderbergh will helm a follow-up to "sex, lies and videotape," the 1989 indie film that put a then 26-year-old Soderbergh on the directorial map.
The cast and name of the sequel haven't been announced, but if Soderbergh's smart he'll take a note from the "Breakin'" franchise and title the sequel "sex, lies, and videotape 2: Electric Boogaloo." Boogaloo or no, filming is scheduled to begin in November.
Posted: 07/22/01
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Review: Traffic
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Traffic (Grade: A) — Director Steven Soderbergh delivers an exceptional, epic examination of the drug war. Reviewed by Mac Slocum.
Posted: 01/06/01
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Druggie Goodness: Traffic Trailer, Stills Ready for Injection
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French Premiere has once again bested its English-language counterparts by posting another high-grade collection of stills and trailers from an upcoming release. This time, the film is Steven Soderbergh's epic drug movie "Traffic." Starring Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Benicio Del Toro, Don Cheadle, Dennis Quaid and a slew of others, "Traffic" is a deep, gritty look behind the drug war. The cast and story are both intriguing, but what's most exciting about "Traffic" is the prospect of seeing Soderbergh weave his brilliant storytelling and visual skills into an intricate project. French Premiere offers a taste of what's to come with an extensive photo gallery and the just-released full-length trailer (requires Quicktime). "Traffic" opens December 27.
Posted: 11/28/00
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Spotlight: Ocean's 11
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Early next year, Steven Soderbergh will direct George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and a slew of rumored and almost-confirmed A-listers, in a remake of the Rat Pack comedy "Ocean's 11." You'll find all our "Ocean's" news on the Spotlight Page. Additionally, you can talk about the production in the Ocean's Forum.
Posted: 11/11/00
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