Cold Souls

One of the great things about independent cinema is that they tell quirky and unusual stories we don't normally see in mainstream films. This movie is a perfect example.

There are so many questions raised by the concept of being able to remove your soul for storage. The film does not answer all of them but it makes for some interesting discussions. This I would say is why you won't see a concept like this explored in mainstream films. The audience has too much to think about. The film is well made and has an excellent story but I have one major problem with is and that is Paul Giamatti. Not so much with his performance which I'll discuss later but with why he is playing himself (or a version of himself) in the film. It is because of this decision by the writer/director Sophie Barthes to do this that she is asking the audience to make comparisons to 'Being John Malkovich'. There is no good reason, in my opinion, as to why Paul is playing himself. He could have been playing an actor with another name. 'Being John Malkovich' is a much better film so Sophie is not doing herself any favours by letting people make the comparison.

Paul Giamatti is the perfect actor for this kind of quirky story. He is brilliant at showing the neurosis of the character. Being able to act what it is like to not have a soul would be quite a challenge I imagine. Paul does a great job though. My only problem is that he is a little too much to handle on his own. He works better in a supporting role or with a side-kick. Emily Watson was a bit disappointing in so far as she is given nothing to do. David Strathairne is an actor we don't see enough of these day and his deadpan performance here is great. Dina Korzun as the soul mule is excellent. You really feel sorry for her character and how she ends up.

This film is for people who like their movies a little quirky. I know it won't appeal to everyone but is quite thought provoking and philosophical.