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One Decision

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.
31:50

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Steven Soderbergh highlights the intricate balance between deception and integrity in espionage, as showcased in his film 'Black Bag'.
  • The podcast explores the evolution of espionage from technology-driven methods to a focus on interpersonal relationships and trust.

Deep dives

Exploring the Dynamics of Espionage in Relationships

The film "Black Bag" presents a unique take on espionage by centering on the dynamics of a married couple who are both spies. Their successful marriage is portrayed as a potential vulnerability in the high-stakes world of intelligence, emphasizing that personal relationships can be fraught with deception even as they appear strong. The couple navigates the challenges of operating under a 'need to know' principle, where they selectively share information about their professional lives, creating tension and uncertainty about their trust in each other. This exploration of trust and transparency highlights the fragility of relationships within the complex world of espionage.

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