Is a comedy still a comedy if it’s only happening in the main character’s head? What if we aren’t allowed in that character’s head? The answer, at least in regards to this film, is “no.”
This idiosyncratic flick from Steven Soderbergh does it’s damnedest to distance itself from you. On paper this should be a slam dunk. The individual elements, like the 70′s “Laugh-In” inspired score, Matt Damon’s performance, the supporting players, the period cinematography, are winning but when combined they leave a sour taste in the mouth.
My big question: why does Soderbergh want to keep us at a distance? Why aren’t we privy to Matt Damon’s POV. To what effect? What’s gained? I supposed there’s the surprise of learning that the comedy is in the character’s head but it’s a lame payoff. It’s a pity because so much thought and effort went into making this flick. Heck, Scott Bakula and Joel McHale are revelations but ultimately wasted.
Prior to seeing this, I felt terrible that Sony shutdown Soderbergh’s MONEYBALL but now I think maybe they did the right thing.
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