Haywire (2011)

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  TheMovieDiorama

  5 / 10

  Haywire conversely feels clinically tame and formulaic. There is no doubt that Soderbergh is one of the most commercially viable independent filmmakers working today. Consistently inventive with his directing techniques and constantly challenging himself with various genres. It's unfortunate that his gracious effort in the action genre succumbs to "over direction". An operative is sent to Barcelona to retrieve an asset, however she soon discovers that it's all a setup and must investigate who the culprit is. There are certain elements that really work, and many that send this conspiracy thriller tumbling down the route of genericism. The action, although infrequent, was shot with precision. It allowed Carano, a well established MMA fighter, to perform her own stunts cleanly. A refreshing change from the "shaky cam" method and rapid quick cuts. The ensemble cast all performed well, sure there were several moments of monotony, however it's a cold calculated environment. Soderbergh maintains a professional aesthetic, both in characters and production, that enhances the nature of the conspiracy. Plenty of varying locations, many kidney punches and a plethora of headlocks. Job done. The problem is that Soderbergh's direction is so outstanding that it acts as a veil for a dull, formulaic and thinly written plot. What should've been an engaging story with decent camera techniques has now become a case of style over substance, and it just doesn't work. Simply put, it is boring. I don't care for these characters. I don't care for the conspiracy plot. I don't care for the film. It is so focused on introducing famous actors as potential culprits that anything engaging is subsided. The dialogue lacks personality, but I get it. It's a concise thriller. Our protagonist obtains the information she requires and moves on. Rinse and repeat until she has gone through everyone. Haywire was a missed opportunity. Despite the fantastic choreography, direction and cast, you just can't utilise independent contemporary techniques to convey a simple plot. Otherwise, you lose the story which should always come first.

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