Traffic (2000)

What this episode covers

linktr.ee/CatchingUpOnCinema⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This May, Kyle takes control of all the programming designs on Catching Up On Cinema, for a special event that we're calling, “Kyle's Kitchen Sink”! All month long, Kyle follows his nose, allowing his impulsivity and gut instinct to drive his movie selection process from week to week. This week, Kyle has us review Stephen Soderbergh's, Traffic (2000)! A critically acclaimed Best Picture nominee that boasts an incredible ensemble cast of players, Traffic (2000) is a compelling and nuanced exploration of the illegal drug trade between the United States and Mexico. Deliberately uncinematic at times, the film often has the feel of a documentary, or a story that one is intended to merely observe rather than become a vested participant in. Also involved in the writing process, as well as serving as the chief camera operator, director Stephen Soderbergh deftly manages the production, delivering an intricate narrative with an incredible number of moving parts, that never once casts the viewer adrift. Earnest in it's characterizations and exploration of its subject matter, the film manages to realistically portray the perpetual quagmire that is attempting to combat/control the illegal drug trade in the United States, while somehow managing to avoid devolving into a dreary, nihilistic slog. A truly exceptional film from a very talented director with a knack for breaking taboos, both stylistic and thematic in nature, Traffic (2000) is a must see. Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@catchinguponcinema⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@CatchingCinema⁠

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