framptonhollis I'm not sure if I've ever seen a film exactly like "Bubble". It kind of evokes other movies, but, overall, it's really it's own thing, totally separate from anything else I've really seen. It's an offbeat spin on the "love triangle" and "detective" subgenres while disguising itself so well with a realist, yet somehow still mildly surrealist (in parts) atmosphere so well that you don't really notice it's either one of these things in any sense. Instead, you are sucked into this quirky story that twists and turns in all sorts of unexpected directions. IMDb lists it as a crime-drama-mystery film and, for what seems like a majority of the movie, it does not feel like any of those genres. As a matter of fact, the first part of this movie feels like if the "meh" emoji (sorry for having to reference those f*cking things, but this was the best analogy I could come up with off the top of my head) was a film subgenre and this was the pioneering film of said subgenre. But, I still enjoyed it immensely...so it can't just be the cinematic equivalent of a "meh" emoji I guess, although there is plenty of mumbling and a really slow pace that softly grows on you as you watch it. There's the occasional moment of pure weirdness which is followed by a completely mundane exchange, often littered with a unique insight into the minds of your average everyday person and how they may not be so "average" after all. Daily life is more fascinating than anyone gives it credit for being, so sometimes it seems that something awful has to happen before we notice that this life we live isn't JUST some repetitive, boring streak of pointless years polluted with simplicity and labor. Life can also be mysterious, adventurous, and humorous, which is what this film really is. From one minute to the next, it evoked some kind of emotional response from me, and these responses ranged from being mild to moderate to major. There's laughter, there's tears, there's suspense, this movie's got it all but you don't even notice until you reflect on it. The movie also has long pauses, wooden acting, and awkward dialogue, but you don't notice that very much either, and when you do notice it it's because you're impressed with how realistic and successful these elements are, while in almost any other movie they'd be sort of cringe worthy, and not in a good, intentional way. It takes a true professional like Steven Soderbergh to create such a bizarre, contemplative, gloomy, depressing, hilarious, and engaging film packed with tonal shifts and a total lack of real good or bad guys feel more natural and realistic than most of the movies to be released during this century so far.

bandw Kyle is a young man who works at a repetitious job in a doll factory in a small mid-western town. He works most closely with Martha, an overweight and less than attractive middle-aged woman whom Kyle depends on for rides to work. Martha's social life outside of work consists of taking care of her aging father. Rose, an attractive young woman, is hired and joins Martha and Kyle on their daily breaks. The conversations in the lunch room are perhaps the most mundane ever put in a commercial film.I began to wonder what direction this could take that could possibly hold my attention, but Rose's entering the picture began to change the personal dynamics in way that kept my attention. Rose presented a challenge to Martha's maternal feelings for Kyle (in fact there is a suggestion that there may be more than maternal instincts involved). As the movie moves toward its final resolution we get to know the three characters: Kyle is a study in passivity, Rose knows she wants more and will do what it takes to get it, and Martha is seen to have strong emotions under her plain exterior.The inside of the doll factory makes for a suitable backdrop for this downbeat tale among the working poor. I was surprised that making the dolls had not been more automated than is pictured, since many of the tasks are robotic. There is a lot of manual work involved, for example, one of Martha's jobs is to affix eyelashes to the dolls, and Kyle works on forming the doll legs. The plot develops very subtly; this movie is not one that will set you back on your heels. The use of non-professional actors in all roles works here. I doubt that any director could have gotten this level of authenticity from professionals. There are rewards here for the patient viewer.

drumerdrul This is a movie that shows what cinema is all about. Simple scenes with simple dialogs, but sharp analyzing images and thought-provoking touches that shows Soderberghs genius. I think this movie is near perfect. The story seems superficial but it isn't. There is so much to say about the deeper focus, the underlying tension, the catharsis that I need to work on my English for a few months. Sorry about that. I just wanted to express my deepest appreciation. The way Soderbergh sets out the drama is of pure craftsmanship. He only lets his character say a few lines which say it all. The 2 main characters are one of the best performances I saw in my life.Watch this movie, especially on blu-ray.

todbrowning2000 A really good movie makes you think. However, while BUBBLE certainly made me think, I'm not sure if it's good or not. The story is simple, direct, and void of shock or surprise. The strength of the film lies in the believability of the actors, the atmosphere (creepy doll factory...'nuff said), and the simplicity of the cinematography. I suppose the fact that I still have it on my mind several days after watching it should be a vote in it's favor, but what bothers me is that it didn't make me question anything nor did it present a challenge to me as a viewer. Instead, the indecision over the movie was simply...did I like it?I just don't know. Hence my middle-of-the-road vote.