I was in America
recently and thought it would be a good opportunity to see a movie which won’t
be out here in the UK
for a while. Unfortunately I was there at a rare time during which there was
little in US theatres which wouldn’t be in the UK by the time I got home. So
instead I saw Side Effects, a film I
hadn’t had a chance to see in England.
Side Effects is said to be the final
movie by Director Steven Soderbergh, the man behind films such as Erin Brokovich, Solaris and Contagion. Although
not a huge fan of his entire back catalogue I think losing Soderbergh to film
making would be a shame. He has produced some very fine films over the years
with Side Effects being one of them.
We join the story days before Martin Taylor (Channing Tatum)
is released from a four year prison sentence for insider trading. His wife
Emily (Rooney Mara) is eagerly but nervously awaiting his release. In the days
following his return, her mood shifts towards anxiety and depression and when
she drives her car straight into a wall she begins to see Psychiatrist Jonathan
Banks (Jude Law). Banks tries various methods and drugs before discovering the
new drug Ablixa seems to control Emily’s moods. The drug gives her the side
effect of sleep walking though, a side effect which turns out to have disastrous
consequences for Martin, Emily and Dr Banks. The event destroys Banks’ career
and while trying to clear his name he discovers a deeper, seedier plot.
