Film Review: Cold Souls

Have you ever felt burdened by your tormented soul? Wished you could de-soul and live a freer life for a while? Ever wanted to try out a fuller soul, from someone more artistic- like a Russian poet? Paul Giamatti has. The star of Sideways and American Splendour plays himself in the engaging satirical comedy, Cold Souls.

A Kaufmanesque story examining existential ponderings, Cold Souls begins with our protagonist, Giamatti feeling weighed down by his role in a Broadway production of Uncle Vanya. Increasingly neurotic (thanks in part to the script being originally written with Woody Allen in mind) Giamatti’s agent suggests he reads an article in the New Yorker about soul storage.

From here our protagonist embarks on a journey of soul discovery. Storing his soul proves to have disastrous consequences for Giamatti’s acting, with hilarious results. Added to the mix of intellectual whining are a Russian soul-mule and the trafficking of souls from the poor to the rich (a commodification not unlike the system already seen in body parts).

Playing with the absurd, it is an intriguing script and an excellent performance from David Strathairn (Good Night and Good Luck, Borne Ultimatum) as Dr. Flintstein, the soul extractor, that allows the film to ground itself with a sense of reality.

If you think it all sounds a little familiar- that’s because it is. Cold Souls has a lot of similarities with Being John Malkovich. Director, Sophie Barthes has obviously drawn inspiration from the work of Charlie Kaufman (Adaptation, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind). Thankfully Cold Souls isn’t simply mimicry, but offers something more. The Russian storyline adds emotion to this deadpan comedy with Dina Korzun, as Nina the Russian soul-mule, beautifully scene-stealing her way through the film.

Giamatti, who you have to hope is playing a very loose version of himself, is the superglue that holds the piece together when there are lapses in the script. He is able to provide both comedy and serious contemplation when needed. Making a character that is highly self-focused and neurotic, but also likeable. Cold Souls cements his reputation as a great actor, as well as introducing the talented Korzun to the non-Russian speaking world.

Cold Souls highlights Barthes potential as a director and writer, with a gift for language and a visual flair to her direction. Cold Souls is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. While at times it seems a little self-important and meandering, if you are happy to go along with the conceit and look past minor flaws the final product is clever and funny and most of all enjoyable.