Steven Soderberg is one of those annoying directors whose aim is to make as many different kinds of films as possible in an attempt at not being pigeonholed. Coming straight from his epic 4 hour marathon in the two parts recounting the life of Che Guevara, he turns his attention to the exploration of a far more personal nature in exploring the life of a high class prostitute.Chelsea recounts episodes in her life to a journalist, and through the non linear style that Soderberg relied on in the 80's, we are brought deep into the world of a modern escort living in New York City. The thought provoking insight explores the way in which a prostitute must administer herself as a business, keeping accounts, and investing in clothes, and appearance etc. This is paralleled through Chelsea's ambitious boyfriend, a personal trainer who is looking to expand and make it big through various entrepreneurial ventures.
And so Soderberg's comments on the modern economy are brought to the fore through the ironic similarity between the businesses. The references to money, investments, accounts, as well as the management speak that pervades the piece makes the screenplay resonate with a unity that is coherent and fresh. The most interesting element is the exploration of the relationship between Chelsea and her clients, compared to that of her boyfriend, and asking how the emotional strain of unending sexual (and sometimes non sexual) encounters affects an aspiring young business woman in the modern city.
Surprising perhaps is Soderberg's casting of Sasha Grey, the adult film actress in the leading role. Her screen presence is captivating to look at, but leaves the audience in two minds about her acting ability. Her staggered and often cold delivery might be the work of genius, delivering a genuine pathos to a calculating characters. On the other hand, this might simply be showing up an inability to act at all. Unfortunately the acting of the boyfriend, played by Chris Santos is equally mediocre, particularly in a cringe worthy scene when he confronts Chelsea about her decision to go away with a client.
Additionally worth noting is the photography, with highly stylised night interiors, lit in reds and warm tones, the overall look is often obviously digital (the film was shot on the Red Camera) and at points this is distracting from the action, drawing the audience out of the characters.
With these in mind, I would still recommend this as a thought provoking and insightful film. The resonance with the economy and modern life in America is playful and the parallel brought about in the choice of the escort industry perceptive and subtle.
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