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Legendary Director Steven Soderbergh on Spy Movies

Apr 3, 2025
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, known for hits like Black Bag and Contagion, shares intriguing insights into the world of espionage. He discusses the compelling nature of watching people lie, emphasizing trust as vital in spycraft. Soderbergh also explores the complexities of marriage within the espionage realm in his latest film, revealing emotional challenges. The conversation delves into his take on the connection between intelligence and global pandemics, hinting at a potential sequel to Contagion that balances creativity and audience anticipation.
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INSIGHT

Compelling Spy Stories and Marriages

  • Spy stories are naturally suited for visual storytelling and are very engaging because watching people lie is compelling.
  • The movie "Black Bag" uniquely centers on a successful marriage under pressure in espionage, contrasting typical spy narratives.
INSIGHT

Deception With Integrity

  • Intelligence agencies practice deception but maintain integrity, creating a tension that shapes espionage.
  • Different generations within agencies vary in their comfort with deception and transparency.
ANECDOTE

Dinner Game Sparks Conflict

  • David Koepp created a dinner party scene where guests play a game forcing them to criticize the person on their right.
  • This game deliberately provokes aggressive and revealing conversation among characters.
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