Bruce says: “Had Robert Bresson with his penchant
for non-professional actors used Mike Leigh’s improvisational techniques,
he might have made a film similar to BUBBLE, an experimental film from
Steven Soderbergh. A bold experiment it is and, in this viewer’s
eyes, a sensationally successful one. The non-professionals bring an air
of freshness to the screen and Soderbergh’s bare bones direction
from a bare bones script creates a vérité rarely seen in
an American film from a contemporary prestigious director.
“The story involves a triangle of co-workers at a doll factory. Martha
and Kyle have worked at the factory for some time. Rose is hired to help
fill a large order which is beyond the output range of the regular staff.
Tensions begin to build. One of the three is jealous of the other two,
one is oblivious of any relationship dynamics, and one is not playing
with a full deck. The doll parts provide a surreal backdrop for a murder
which becomes the focus of the story.
“To rehearse for the film the actors worked for a week at the doll factory,
learning skills and technique. They were not given lines to memorize
– almost all the dialogue in the film is spontaneous conversation based
on a few key words or points given to the actors for each scene. As a
result, much of the dialogue is autobiographical
“The soundtrack consists of punctuation from an acoustic guitar, nothing
more. The HD video works to an advantage in providing a distinct visual
style. Soderbergh credits Fassbinder and still photographer Joel Meyer
for his inspiration. Many of the shots in the film have an austere, eerie
beauty. Filmed in Parkersberg, West Virginia, and across the river in
Ohio BUBBLE hits the mark in depicting an America where many drop out
of high school, work two jobs or steal to make ends meet, and live with
relatives while they illusively attempt to save money to get away.
“What a thrill it is to see that Soderbergh has the ability to return
full circle to the simplicity of SEX LIES AND VIDEOTAPE. BUBBLE’s
rough edges and the bleak setting may be too much for mass appeal. Much
ado has been made over BUBBLE being released on DVD, in theaters and
on pay-for-view simultaneously. What is important is that good films
get reviewed and seen; how they are distributed should make no difference.
4 cats”
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