The Top Five Steven Soderbergh Films | Discussion (Ep. 125)

Cinematic Style

Steven Soderbergh's unique cinematic style is characterized by his ability to blend clinical precision with a sense of fun and creativity. Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins discuss how his films, like "Ocean's Eleven" and "Out of Sight," showcase his mastery in working with actors and subverting genres to create engaging narratives 1. Chris Ryan notes that even in less successful films, Soderbergh's self-awareness and innovative storytelling methods shine through 2.

Our generation has basically been taught how to do the kind of iterative, almost like meta version of movie making because he is that kind of guy.

--- Sean Fennessey

His films often reflect a deep understanding of both the art and the business of filmmaking, making them both insightful and entertaining 3.

   

Actor Impact

Soderbergh's impact on actors is profound, often elevating their performances and careers. Amanda Dobbins highlights how he draws out standout performances from big-name stars like Julia Roberts and Channing Tatum, showcasing their range and depth 4. His ability to understand and tweak public perceptions of movie stars is likened to the depth of William Goldman 4.

The performances that he gets out of anyone, but especially just big Watt movie stars, that's my favorite thing.

--- Amanda Dobbins

Sean Fennessey adds that Soderbergh's films like "Magic Mike" highlight his skill in capturing the physicality and charisma of actors, further cementing their star power 5.

   

Innovative Techniques

Soderbergh is known for his innovative filmmaking techniques, often pushing the boundaries of traditional cinema. His film "High Flying Bird," shot entirely on an iPhone, exemplifies his willingness to experiment with new technology and unconventional methods 6. Sean Fennessey notes that this approach allows for unique camera angles and a fresh perspective on storytelling 6.

There are camera angles in the movie that I've never seen before. And that's because he's clearly just velcroing a phone to a ceiling and then shooting a movie.

--- Sean Fennessey

Additionally, Soderbergh's bold choices in film distribution and marketing reflect his desire to control the creative process from start to finish, challenging industry norms 7.