Steven Soderbergh's Ghosts and Experiments

Contents:

• What is the film about?
• How does Soderbergh film?
• How was "Presence" made?

What is the film about?

The Payne family of four—Rebecca (Lucy Liu), Chris (Chris Sullivan), and their children Tyler (Eddie Maday) and Chloe (Kallina Liang)—move into a new home in New Jersey. Behind the outward prosperity of a model family lies internal problems. Rebecca, ignoring the possible consequences, engages in financial fraud at work. There's virtually no connection between her and her husband, Chris. All of her mother's love and attention is focused on Tyler, an excellent student and champion swimmer. Meanwhile, youngest daughter Chloe finds herself in the shadows; her mother is disinterested in her life, and her brother constantly teases her. Chloe is also struggling with the recent loss of her best friend, Nadia, which exacerbates her emotional state. The Payne family's situation demonstrates how internal dynamics and misunderstandings can destroy family bonds, highlighting the importance of attention and support for each family member.

A sensitive and melancholic girl named Chloe, left alone, begins to realize that something strange is happening in her house. Books suddenly fold into neat stacks, doors slam, and the table begins to shake for no apparent reason. Chloe suspects that this mysterious Presence is Nadya and tries to establish contact with her. The rest of the family is unaware of what is happening or tries to explain the poltergeist phenomena with ordinary causes. However, the viewer knows from the very beginning that this is not the case: they observe the world through the eyes of this very Presence, hovering invisibly through the rooms and staircases, and see all the secret experiences of the divided family. The plot unfolds in an atmosphere of mysticism and tension, forcing us to think about the invisible connections between people and their inner fears.

How does Soderbergh film?

In 1989, 26-year-old Steven Soderbergh made a splash in the world of cinema, winning the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for his debut film, Sex, Lies, and Videotape. He became the youngest director to be awarded this prestigious award. "Sex, Lies, and Videotape" depicts the complex relationships between two sisters, two classmates, and one video camera. Despite its provocative title, the film contains virtually no explicit scenes that would be unnecessary to the plot. The film impressed the jury and critics with its maturity and intelligent approach to its themes. The success of the film contributed to the popularization of the Miramax studio, which became one of the founders of American independent cinema of the nineties.

Steven Soderbergh has already established himself as A new arthouse star, his career has proven more challenging than expected. He produces films with enviable regularity, unafraid of failure. His next project, a biopic about the famed absurdist Kafka, bombed at the box office and missed festivals, but eventually became a cult classic. While the sentimental historical drama King of the Hill was well-received, it is now largely forgotten. In 1996, Soderbergh tried his hand at absurdist comedy with Schizopolis, which also failed to live up to expectations and failed to recoup even its modest $250,000 budget. However, just four years later, Soderbergh achieved true triumph: he was nominated for two Oscars in 2000—the crime thriller Traffic and the feminist drama Erin Brockovich—both of which were nominated in all major categories. That same year, Ocean's Eleven, a crime thriller that brought the director his greatest popularity and became one of his most iconic works, was released. Soderbergh continues to amaze audiences with his unique style and flair for filmmaking experimentation.

The science fiction film Solaris (2002), the social drama The Girlfriend Experience (2008) starring porn actress Sasha Grey, the disaster film Contagion (2011), which predicted the COVID epidemic ten years before it began, the sports drama High Flying Bird (2019), and the comedic political thriller The Laundromat (2019) – all of Soderbergh's works demonstrate his desire to explore a variety of film genres. Each of these films offers a unique perspective on human emotions and social issues, making the director's work particularly multifaceted. Soderbergh successfully combines elements of drama, comedy, and fantasy, creating memorable works that remain relevant and engage audiences.

Steven Soderbergh actively experiments with form in his films. The thriller Unsane (2018) and High Flying Bird were shot entirely on an iPhone, highlighting his innovative approach to filmmaking. For the biopic about the famous revolutionary Che (2008), he used a unique digital camera developed specifically for the project. The comedy Let Them Talk (2020) was filmed on a cruise across the Atlantic, with the actors improvising on set and editing taking place at night. For the sequel to Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Full Throttle (2002), Soderbergh assembled a star-studded cast, including Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, and David Duchovny, while keeping his budget at just $2 million—a modest sum by Hollywood standards. In the 2018 series Mosaic with Sharon Stone, he introduced an interactive element: viewers could choose whose perspective they would follow, which influenced the sequence of scenes. This approach makes Soderbergh's work unique and draws attention to his films.

Steven Soderbergh describes his work as striving to leave a film in a better state than it was when he found it. This approach demonstrates his pragmatism and technical savvy. Soderbergh edits, writes, and shoots his films using pseudonyms such as "Peter Andrews." While his desire to encompass all aspects of filmmaking may give the impression of him as a wild Hollywood dreamer, the reality is different. Sharon Stone notes his composure, focus, and methodical approach. His films are typically under an hour and a half long, suggesting that he does not suffer from the narcissistic megalomania common to some Hollywood giants. Soderbergh excels in intelligence, brevity and efficiency; It is a true multifunctional "factory" in the world of cinema, comparable to modern technologies such as the iPhone.

It is interesting that the next interview with Steven Soderbergh begins with the phrase: "You may not know Steven Soderbergh's name, but you're certainly familiar with his films." This underscores the director's unique style and approach, which has led to works that have become landmarks in the film industry. Soderbergh is known for his innovation and genre diversity, making his films memorable and recognizable. His work embodies contemporary cinema, challenging traditional narratives. Perhaps this is why he is drawn to medical themes, as in Contagion and The Knick. Sometimes it's easier to interact with patients rather than with people, to explore their condition and analyze the workings of society. Surgery is essentially a kind of game with form, where precision and attention to detail are crucial.

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"The Heretic" is a psychological horror from A24 studio, in which Hugh Grant demonstrates his mastery of creating a tense atmosphere, mocking missionaries. The film immerses viewers in a world of fear and internal conflict, exploring themes of faith and doubt. The plot revolves around a group of missionary women who encounter unusual and frightening events, challenging their beliefs and moral values. Emotional performances from the cast, including Hugh Grant, add depth and tension, making The Heretic an unforgettable experience for genre lovers. Steven Soderbergh, known for his versatility and experimentation with form, technology, and techniques, shares many similarities with Christopher Nolan. Unsurprisingly, Soderbergh played a key role in launching Nolan's career, insisting on his appointment as director of Insomnia. This project became a launching pad for the young director and significantly accelerated his career growth. Soderbergh was impressed by Nolan's debut film, Memento, noting his mastery of complex cinematic puzzles, which made his style unique and memorable. Nolan and Soderbergh occupy the intersection of mainstream and arthouse cinema, which is both their strength and their limitations. Both directors fail to fully satisfy either audience. However, Soderbergh shows no concern about his status, as he has a devoted niche audience. He is willing to sacrifice commercial success for his creative goals. While he is not a mystical visionary, he is an excellent observer of trends, as demonstrated by works such as Contagion, which anticipated the pandemic. His ability to analyze and deeply understand human nature allows him to create films that resonate with audiences. An example of this is Sex, Lies, and Videotape, which accurately captures people's fears and desires.

The screenplay for "Presence" was written by renowned filmmaker David Koepp. Koepp and director Soderbergh's professional paths crossed several times. For example, the thriller "Bad Influence," based on Koepp's screenplay, was screened at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival during the same period as "Sex, Lies, and Videotape," but they did not meet. Koepp later offered Soderbergh the opportunity to adapt "Death Becomes Her," but Soderbergh considered the project too complex and declined. Robert Zemeckis ultimately directed the comedy. During this time, Koepp's career was rapidly developing, and he soon became one of Hollywood's most sought-after screenwriters. His work includes such iconic films as Jurassic Park, Mission: Impossible, the 2002 Spider-Man, the final installments of Indiana Jones, and War of the Worlds.

In 2022, the technothriller Kimi, starring Zoë Kravitz and a collaboration between director Soderbergh and the screenwriter, premiered to great acclaim. Soon, in March 2025, audiences will be treated to the new spy film Black Bag, starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender. In addition, a fourth script is also in development, which indicates the continuation of fruitful creative collaboration.

"Presence" is a project whose idea belongs to Soderbergh, and Koepp with enthusiastically supported it. Koepp noted that he is interested in any limitations, such as the length of the film and the confined space. For him, creating an intimate family drama in the ghost story genre is not difficult. Narrating from the ghost's point of view became a unique aesthetic challenge for him, which adds depth and intrigue to the plot.

How "Presence" was Made

With Koepp's support, Soderbergh returns to the beginning of his career, as if traveling through time. This work again raises key themes that were already explored in "Sex, Lies, and Videotape": voyeurism, family problems, and power dynamics. These themes remain relevant and compel the viewer to reflect on the complexities of human relationships and social norms.

In a seemingly hopeless love triangle, a marginal outsider, Graham (James Spader), suddenly appears. His passion is videotaping attractive women. His mere presence and observation radically changes the lives of the other participants. This phenomenon can be compared to a well-known physical effect: observation itself can transform the object of study. Graham becomes a catalyst for change, disrupting the usual order and forcing the characters to rethink their feelings and relationships.

In Presence, Soderbergh takes it a step further, turning the observer into something more than just a person—an almost empty space. We learn nothing definitive about him until the very end, and we don’t need to. The entire focus is on the Payne family and the internal struggles of each member. Rebecca, terrified of the possibility of imprisonment for her manipulations, redoubles her efforts to provide her son with a bright future, ignoring everyone else. Her husband, Chris, is depressed and trying unsuccessfully to save their crumbling marriage, but lacks the resolve. The film's plot takes the viewer deep into the psychological torment of the characters, demonstrating how fear and lack of support can destroy a family from within.

Son Tyler, spoiled by the attention of his His mother seems to be on the path to becoming arrogant and indifferent. However, his obnoxious behavior may be an attempt to cope with the inner turmoil that is typical of adolescents. We observe this complex dynamic through the lens of the Presence, which calmly observes everything that happens. Chris, kind and compassionate, tries to support Chloe and find common ground with her. However, this provokes a negative reaction from the other family—Tyler bullies his sister, and his mother seems to encourage his actions. Chris is powerless to influence this situation, highlighting his helplessness in family relationships.

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Ghost movies always captivate viewers because they can take us into the world of the supernatural and mysterious. This list features the 20 best ghost-themed movies that will leave you with a lasting impression. These films range from classic horror films to modern psychological thrillers, each offering a unique perspective on the world of spirits and otherworldly forces. From tense plots to deep character development, these films are perfect for lovers of mystery and enigma. If you're looking for goosebumps and an atmosphere of intrigue, these 20 ghost movies should be on your watch list.

In this situation, it's impossible to pinpoint definitively bad people, and no one is personally responsible for the unfolding drama. A family crisis looms large, remaining elusive and painful. This crisis can be compared to a "presence" or phenomenon, representing one of the impersonal mechanisms that so interests the director. Interestingly, the only character the director seems to definitively define as "absolute evil" turns out to be a completely unexpected one, and it's not a ghost.

The film can be attributed to the new wave of slow-burning horror films, characteristic of the A24 studio. In such films, atmosphere is created through social dynamics and psychological tension, rather than jump scares and frightening imagery. However, Soderbergh's film is far from being a horror film in the traditional sense. Despite the marketing claims, audiences won't experience true fear. Only the characters experience fear, and only to a moderate degree. Soderbergh and Koepp employ classic haunted house elements, including flying objects, mistrustful family members, and a visiting psychic who confirms the presence of a ghost from the very first minutes. However, all these traditional tropes are presented with obvious irony and feel like an homage to the genre. A gothic atmosphere centered on the identity of a ghost is nothing new: films like David Lowery's A Ghost Story, Alejandro Amenábar's The Others, and M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense have already explored this theme. The creator of Presence is aware of these parallels, but uses familiar techniques to achieve his own artistic goals.

Soderbergh once again picked up a wide-angle camera and moved around the house with noticeable relish. This makes his role as the mysterious observer who ultimately changes everything even more explicit than in Sex, Lies, and Videotape. The director becomes not only an auteur but also a call to the viewer to actively participate in the process. This enthusiasm for experimentation underscores Soderbergh's unique style. The final twist in Presence is reminiscent of Shyamalan, a master of surprises and playful narrative form, unafraid to take risks and face creative setbacks.

This willingness to take risks is admirable, and behind this technicality lies something deeply human. Soderbergh certainly remains a bit of a fetishist, but he makes no attempt to hide it. His view of his characters remains honest and compassionate. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of their motivations and inner worlds, making his work more engaging and memorable.

In 1989, Soderbergh's film "Sex, Lies, and Videotape" won the Palme d'Or, presented by Wim Wenders, then president of the jury. Wenders noted that Soderbergh's work instilled confidence in the future of cinema. He saw a deep kinship in the young American director. Nearly forty years later, Soderbergh's new film, "Presence," recalls not only other works featuring ghosts but also Wenders' classic, "Wings of Desire." In "Presence," the angels Damiel and Cassiel invisibly watch over people's lives, experiencing their joys and sorrows, empathizing with them, and feeling a touch of envy. Wenders shared that cinema, for him, is a similar angel, capable of helping people. It seems that Soderbergh's ghost is close to this angelic image.

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The best horror films: top horror films with high ratings

Horror films continue to attract the attention of viewers thanks to their ability to evoke strong emotions and fear. This list features the best horror films that have received high ratings and positive reviews from critics. These films are not only frightening, but also have the ability to make you think about deep-seated fears and psychological aspects of human nature.

Among the best horror films, such films as The Shining, Psycho, The Ring, and So I'll Kill You stand out. These films have become cult classics due to their tense atmosphere and masterfully developed characters. Each of them offers a unique approach to the genre, be it supernatural horror or psychological thriller.

We should not forget about modern horror films such as Snowpiercer and Get Out, which are also worth checking out. They show that the genre continues to evolve and surprise viewers with new ideas and original plots.

If you're looking for something to watch in the horror genre, this top list of films will help you decide and enjoy quality content that will leave a lasting impression.