The Girlfriend Experience (2009)

Steven Soderbergh scales back from his “Oceans” films to tell the story of an escort worker (Sasha Grey) whose job requires her to “play” the girlfriend of her vastly wealthy clients. The men don’t really love women. They like the sex, sure. But it’s money they love. And the high-rise apartments, jets, wine and fancy restaurants. But, it’s all burning away -- the stock market is on life-support and the 2008 election is on TV. Our escort, Christine is just as cold. She obsesses about her clothes, yearns for a clothing boutique of her own, and is shocked when her live-in boyfriend (Chris Santos) balks at her wanting to go away with a client because she and he may be soul mates. Why? They share a birthday. It’s not a life-changer, but Soderbergh weaves a tale where American has ditched commitment and true connection, for money. This is the wakeup call. Grey, from the adult film business, owns the screen. She packs a wallop without lifting an eyebrow. The “off-the-cuff” cinematography and editing made me feel like a fly on the wall. The writing, so smooth, has the vibe of a documentary. A-