Steven Soderbergh directs Rooney Mara, Jude Law and Catherine Zeta-Jones in this neo-noir yuppie in peril mystery where a prominent psychiatrist and a depressed young lady find themselves trapped in a web of deceit.

Two watches in and I still haven’t untangled the myriad of twists and sleight of hand in this superior thriller. Soderbergh lends the machinations and hidden in plain sight villiany a deadpan elegance. This is a beautiful film about beautiful people. Some are ethically desensitised, others are all out detached from morality. The plot takes glee in obstructing then uncovering and then punishing the abusers of this grey area. Special props to Rooney Mara who somehow manages to retain a convincing poker face through the anxiety driven breakdowns and heated seduction scenes. Jude Law is also well utilised as the mark, he fits snugly into roles where you have little sympathy for our shill but still have to follow his journey towards enlightenment intently. Great stuff.

8

My Top 10 Yuppies in Peril Movies 

1. Funny Games (1997)
2. The Fugitive (1993)
3. Strangers On a Train (1951)
4. Dead Calm (1990)

5. The Spanish Prisoner (1997)
6. The Player (1992)
7. After Hours (1985)
8. Audition (1999)
9. Ransom (1996)

10. Pacific Heights (1990)