Everyone will be comparing “Contagion” with the 1995 film “Outbreak,” that starred Dustin Hoffman, Morgan Freeman and Rene Russo. And even though their plots a similar, the new film offers a more meticulous look at how the Center for Disease Control (CDC) works.
“Contagion” is actually more like those disaster film of the 1970’s like "Earthquake” or “The Towering Inferno,” using a big international cast with intersecting sub-plots.
At the center of the film is a deep and thoughtful performance by Laurence Fishburne as Dr. Ellis Cheever, the head of the CDC, who shows us a very human and humane character.
Dr. Cheever must balance his medical objectiveness with his compassion, not an easy task as everyone is dying around him.
Also worth mentioning is Matt Damon as an “every man” caught in the middle of this madness as he watches helplessly as friends, family and neighbors all succumb to the disease’s symptoms. Ultimately, his plot line boils down to the role of protector, as he is the only line between the disease and his 15 year-old daughter.
There are other solid performances by Gwyneth Paltrow, Marion Cotillard and Bryan Cranston to name a few.
I liked “Contagion” for its attention to detail and superb acting by its international cast.
It gets a B+ and is rated PG-13.
