This is the first of Steven Soderbergh’s controversial six-picture deal with HDNet Films, in which each picture will be released the same day in cinemas (through Landmark Cinemas), pay-per-view (through HDNet) and DVD (through Magnolia Pictures). It has been reported elsewhere that although the simultaneous release idea is making exhibitors (cinema owners) nervous, the deal with Soderbergh may not be so much apocalyptic as monopolistic, considering that all of the aforementioned companies are commonly owned. In fact, since its release, Bubble seems to have quickly faded from the spotlight to join the ranks of its genre of small independent movies. Regardless, this is clearly an opportunity for Soderbergh, in the tradition of John Cassevetes (or in a different, but more contemporary example, Takashi Miike) to find a way to enjoy more creative freedom within his industry. While Cassevetes partially financed his directorial projects by taking acting roles, Soderbergh has alternated commercial works (Ocean’s Eleven, Erin Brockovich) with more “indie,” progressive projects (Full Frontal, Schizopolis). (Miike also alternates between projects of vastly differing budgets.)
So what about the film? Certainly not as momentous as the industry politics behind it, Bubble is captivating in its realism, a result many reality TV shows seek but rarely achieve. The cast is comprised entirely of nonprofessional actors, playing out a story set in their home town that marries the droll existence of laborers in small industry with the revelation that crime is often much less sexy and dramatic than prime time television might suggest. From an artistic and intellectual point of view, the choice of this doll factory is so rich. The production of these dolls is as creepy as the plot. Soderbergh has suggested that the goal of this group of films is evolving, but has suggested that each will be similarly set in non-glamorous middle America. (Bubble shows some commonality with the works of David Gordon Green.) I’m looking forward to the upcoming projects, because since seeing the film, it has continued to resonate more than I would initially have expected.
[Post script: I watched Bubble over a week ago, in the middle of a 10-day Master Cleanser fast. (Thanks, Trevor, for initiating what is now a semi-annual obsession.) I was struck by the repetitive ritual of fast food consumption. Is it any wonder we, as a nation, are so unhealthy and overweight?]
Here are this morning’s Oscar-nominated films, alphabetically. The nominees for foreign language film and documentary feature are compiled at the end of the list. (Short format nominees are listed in a 
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