Day 5: The Girlfriend Experience (2009)

One of Soderbergh's low-budget films that he often does between big budget films like Ocean's 11. Set around the life of Chelsea, a high end call girl, during the 2008 election and economic crisis, the film deals with Chelsea's relationships with her clients including her 18-month "boyfriend" whom she lives with. The film highlights Chelsea's relationships with these men who pay to spend time with her to talk more than have sex. Each of her clients advise her on how to invest/save her money to survive the economic crises, and who to vote for in the upcoming election.

Shot in a quasi-documentary style, the film focuses on Sasha Grey's portrayal of Chelsea, often focusing on her face for the majority of a scene. Despite being a 21-year-old porn star, Sasha is able to portray Chelsea's sense of curiosity and interest while concealing her true emotions, and Chelsea is clearly in control off all her relationships.

The film pays no attention to linear progression, jumping around among various days with no way of knowing how much time has passed, which creates confusion especially since we often only see/hear tidbits from each of her encounters. Despite this, most likely intentional, confusion, the film presents a cold look at not only the life of a high-end call girl, but also of the men who seek comfort and escape in paid conversation. Soderbergh's style that he presented in Sex, Lies and Videotapes continues to be visible in his smaller works like this one.