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Traffic is a very long film that doesn’t have very much to say. I feel its political commentary is more reflective of its time, and therefore is pretty dated today. It portrays Mexico as a crime filled hellscape overrun by drug cartels and with a corrupt government. The U.S.’s corruption isn’t really acknowledged or explored, with the War on Drugs portrayed as a noble battle that is ultimately unwinnable. Caroline’s downward spiral into drug addiction plays out like something you’d see in a PSA, with her going from a nice “wholesome” girl to falling into prostitution in order to get her fix. Unlike Requiem for a Dream, which showcases the horrors that those struggling with addiction can feel, Traffic attempts to showcase the horrors of being the parent of an addict. But it, like the rest of the film’s commentary, lacks the nuance to be effective.
Fortunately, Soderbergh’s strong direction keeps the story intense and interesting. The visual style is hideous, but it also conveys a rawness that highlights the intensity of the story. The cast is strong all around, with the standouts being Benicia Del Toro and Michael Douglas. The commentary may be shallow, but the story is still entertaining.
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