Steven Soderbergh, who is famously known for directing George Clooney’s Ocean’s 11, wasn’t always at his best. Despite being hailed in the industry for his indie films and his 1989 debut Sex, Lies and Videotapes brought his recognition, Soderbergh also holds a fair share of abominations under his belt.
Apparently, Steven Soderbergh who became the youngest solo director to win the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or, directed the 1995 crime movie The Underneath. Discussing how the movie still causes him discomfort after decades, Soderbergh mentioned refusing its screening at the Cannes Film Festival, to avoid humiliation.
The Underneath From George Clooney’s Ocean’s 11 Director
Winning the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or at the age of 26, Steven Soderbergh rose to recognition with his 1989 debut Sex, Lies and Videotapes. Further, directing widespread genre movies like George Clooney‘s Ocean’s Eleven, and Julia Roberts’ Erin Brockovich, it was highly unexpected of Soderbergh to deliver something like the $6.5M The Underneath.
Coming up with the 1995 crime movie The Underneath, even Steven Soderbergh felt a sort of discomfort in his career, due to the film. Based on Don Tracy’s novel Criss Cross, Soderbergh’s movie was something of a tribute to the film noir genre. The movie featured Peter Gallagher and Alison Elliott in the backdrop of romance, a robbery gone wrong, and an ending with a twist.
Nonetheless, with all things said, even Soderbergh confessed to finding the movie terrible within fifteen seconds of screening. “I know we’re in trouble because of how f*cking long it takes to get through those opening credits” George Clooney’s Ocean’s 11 director claimed. Steven Soderbergh further explained, “That’s just an indication of what’s wrong with this thing: it’s just totally sleepy”.
Steven Soderbergh Felt Humiliated By His $6.5M Crime Movie
Finding his own movie turn into an abomination, Steven Soderbergh admitted that his heart was not in the right place while directing The Underneath. “I was already absent” the director confessed. Despite dreaming of turning his project into a masterpiece, Soderbergh felt disheartened by watching how his 1995 movie turned out.
“It’s a very unpleasant feeling to know that, not being able to discuss that with anybody, and see everyone working so hard…And you know this thing is dead on arrival.” Steven Soderbergh shared.
Further confessing how much he hated his $6.5M movie, George Clooney’s 2001 movie director recalled refusing to screen it during the Cannes Film Festival. Steven Soderbergh recalled getting a call from the film festival’s President Gilles Jacob, asking him to play his movie. However, the acclaimed filmmaker mentioned refusing him.
“It’s the worst thing I’ve ever made. I’m not even going to screen it for you.” Steven Soderbergh shared. Turning down the opportunity to screen his movie, Soderbergh tactically avoided humiliation in front of other classic films. However, his refusal stunned Gilles Jacob as he never heard of anyone refusing the opportunity to feature their film in Cannes.
Watch The Underneath on Amazon Video.
Source: IndieWire
