Traffic is a gripping and multi-layered film that offers a multifaceted look at the devastating impact of the drug war. This Oscar-winning masterpiece weaves together several interconnected storylines, following the lives of various individuals affected by the drug trade, from powerful politicians to drug lords and everyday citizens.
Michael Douglas delivers a strong performance as a conservative judge appointed by the President to lead the war on drugs. His character undergoes a dramatic transformation as he confronts the harsh realities of the drug trade and the limitations of his own policies.
Benicio Del Toro won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of a Mexican police officer caught in the crossfire.
Benicio del Toro won an Oscar for his performance in Traffic (Photo/USA Films)
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Don Cheadle, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Viola Davis, Erika Christensen, Albert Finney, Amy Irving, Topher Grace, James Brolin, Steven Bauer, Luis Guzman, Miguel Ferrer (Revenge), Benjamin Bratt and Salma Hayek.
Steven Soderbergh‘s won an Oscar for his masterful direction keeps the narrative moving at a breakneck pace, while the film’s sharp editing and dynamic camerawork create a sense of urgency and tension. Traffic is a visually stunning film that effectively captures the chaos and complexity of the drug trade.
Traffic was released in between two of Soderbergh’s most well-known films, Erin Brockovich (1999) and Ocean’s Eleven (2001).
Reception for Traffic
Traffic opened in wide release on Jan. 5, 2001 following a limited release on Dec. 27, 2000, and opened with a $15.5 million gross, placing it in third place behind Castaway ($22.2 million) starring Tom Hanks and What Women Want ($15.6 million) starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt.
The film would eventually gross $124.1 million domestically and $207.5 worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave Traffic four out of four stars, saying “The movie is powerful precisely because it doesn’t preach. It is so restrained that at one moment—the judge’s final speech—I wanted one more sentence, making a point, but the movie lets us supply that thought for ourselves.”
Legacy
Traffic is a powerful and unforgettable film that remains relevant today. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in the drug war, social justice, and the complexities of human nature.
