Cold Souls 2009
Directed by
Sophie Barthes
Made by
Samuel Goldwyn Company, The
Plot Summary
Paul Giamatti stars as an actor grappling with depression in the bustling metropolis of New York City. Struggling with his role in Uncle Vanya, he finds himself at a crossroads when a suggestion from his agent and an intriguing article in New Yorker lead him to a unique establishment specializing in soul storage. There, he meets Dr. Flintstein, who explains the potential benefits and pitfalls of soul extraction while showcasing containers that hold the essences of various celebrities, all resembling ordinary objects. Intrigued, Paul decides to undergo the procedure, enduring a process in a contraption reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s hyperbaric chamber. However, he learns that only 95 percent of his soul has been removed, leaving him with a container that suspiciously resembles a chickpea.
Meanwhile, a young woman named Nina arrives from St. Petersburg, under the alias Olga. Her journey begins awkwardly at the airport, where she must have her photo taken and fingerprints recorded. Upon reaching her hotel, she reveals her natural blonde hair after removing the short black wig and fake fingerprint, illustrating her secretive nature. As Paul battles his personal and professional demons, Nina’s employer, Dimitri, runs a similar soul storage operation in Russia. He extracts and sells the souls of Russians to Americans, with Nina being a discreet “mule” who frequently visits the New York establishment. One desperate woman in Russia seeks the return of her soul but is informed that her contract prevents it.
Amid this chaos, Sveta, Dimitri’s stunning wife who once graced soap operas, finds herself in despair, prompting rumors that she might receive a soul from the U.S.—specifically, one from Al Pacino. In hopes of enhancing his performance, Paul decides to implant the soul of a Russian poet, which temporarily boosts his ability to act, yet his sense of fulfillment still eludes him.
In a daring move during one of her visits, Nina distracts the receptionist, Stephanie, to sneak a peek at the files, ultimately stealing Paul’s soul—the only one in possession of the business. Once he realizes that his soul is missing, Paul tracks Nina down and insists on its retrieval, leading them both on an unexpected journey to Russia. Sveta’s unwillingness to give up her soul becomes a problem when she is drugged during a party, allowing Paul’s essence to be extracted and reduced to a dried chickpea semblance.
The narrative culminates with Paul and Nina’s visit to the late poet Olga’s home, who had tragically taken her own life. Upon returning to New York City, Paul is greeted with the intervention of Homeland Security, which aims to dismantle the soul storage enterprise. In a heartening twist, Paul recovers his soul, finding joy once more. However, Nina faces her own heartache, as she learns that the residue from the souls she has transported prevents her from reclaiming her own essence.
Timeline
Paul's Struggle with Depression
Paul Giamatti, playing an actor, grapples with severe depression while working on the play 'Uncle Vanya'. Set against the bustling backdrop of New York City, he faces both personal and professional demons that take a toll on his well-being.
Discovery of Soul Storage
After receiving a suggestion from his agent and reading an intriguing article in the New Yorker, Paul discovers a unique establishment specializing in soul storage. This piques his interest as he considers the potential for alleviating his emotional burden.
Meeting Dr. Flintstein
At the soul storage establishment, Paul meets Dr. Flintstein, who explains the ins and outs of soul extraction. Dr. Flintstein showcases containers holding the essences of various celebrities, presented as ordinary objects, which adds to the bizarre nature of the experience.
Undergoing Soul Extraction
Intrigued by the process, Paul decides to undergo soul extraction. He endures a bizarre procedure reminiscent of Michael Jackson's hyperbaric chamber, emerging with a container that contains only 95 percent of his soul, resembling a chickpea.
Nina's Arrival from St. Petersburg
Nina arrives in New York from St. Petersburg, using the alias Olga. Her journey begins with a series of awkward moments at the airport, where she has her photo taken and fingerprints recorded, marking the start of a secretive new life.
Nina Reveals Her True Identity
Once in her hotel room, Nina reveals her natural blonde hair, coming clean about her secretive persona by removing her black wig and fake fingerprints. This moment highlights her dual life and the complexities of her character.
Dimitri's Operations in Russia
In Russia, Nina’s employer, Dimitri, operates a similar soul storage business, extracting and selling Russian souls to Americans. Nina acts as a discreet 'mule,' frequently traveling back to New York with souls in tow.
The Desperate Russian Client
A woman in Russia desperately seeks to reclaim her soul from Dimitri’s operation. However, she is informed that her contract prevents her from retrieving it, illustrating the harsh realities of the soul storage business.
Sveta's Despair and Hope
Sveta, Dimitri's stunning wife who once starred in soap operas, falls into despair and rumors circulate that she might acquire a soul from the U.S., specifically one from Al Pacino. This rumor adds to the tension surrounding soul extraction.
Paul's Attempt to Enhance Performance
In hopes of improving his acting skills, Paul decides to implant the soul of a Russian poet. This decision temporarily boosts his performance, but he feels no lasting sense of fulfillment or happiness.
Nina's Bold Heist
During one of her visits, Nina cleverly distracts the receptionist, Stephanie, to steal Paul's soul—the only one the business has in possession. This theft sets off a series of unexpected and chaotic events.
Paul's Quest for His Soul
Upon discovering that his soul is missing, Paul urgently tracks down Nina to retrieve it. This quest takes them both on an unexpected journey from New York to Russia, challenging both their motives and resolve.
Sveta's Party and the Extraction
At a party, Sveta is drugged, leading to the extraction of Paul's essence, which is then reduced to a dried chickpea-like semblance. This event marks a low point in Paul's chaotic journey, intertwining his fate with Sveta's.
Visit to Olga's Home
Paul and Nina visit the home of the late poet Olga, who had tragically taken her own life. This visit serves as a moment of reflection for both characters and reveals the depths of the soul's impact on one's life.
Paul's Recovery and Nina's Heartache
Upon returning to New York City, Paul finds himself confronted by Homeland Security aiming to dismantle the soul storage operation. In a heartening twist, Paul recovers his soul and feels joy again, while Nina comes to terms with her own heartache over her inability to reclaim her essence.
Characters
Paul Giamatti
Paul, the protagonist, is an actor enveloped by feelings of depression and existential doubt. Struggling with his role, he seeks solace in a peculiar soul extraction process that leads to unexpected revelations about himself. His journey unveils his vulnerabilities and desires, ultimately leading him to reclaim both his soul and joy.
Nina (Olga)
Nina, who assumes the alias Olga, is a mysterious figure entangled in the world of soul trafficking. Her initial secretive nature unravels as her motivations become clearer throughout the film. She embodies contrasts—being both a participant and a victim in the soul trade. Ultimately, her journey reflects themes of longing and loss.
Dr. Flintstein
Dr. Flintstein is the enigmatic proprietor of the soul storage facility, providing unsought guidance to Paul about soul extraction. His character represents the morally ambiguous nature of those who profit from human experiences and emotions. Through his interactions, the film critiques the commodification of deeply personal aspects of life.
Setting
Time period
The film encapsulates contemporary themes surrounding mental health and the transactional nature of identity in modern society. It explores the impact of technological advancements on personal connections and emotional well-being, all unfolding in a present-day context.
Location
New York City, St. Petersburg, Russia
New York City serves as a bustling backdrop for Paul's struggles with depression and identity as an actor. Known for its vibrant arts scene and diversity, the city contrasts with the more serene yet secretive environment of St. Petersburg, where Nina originates. St. Petersburg is recognized for its rich history and culture, making it a symbolic location for the exploration of souls and personal identity.
Themes
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Identity
The struggle for identity is a central theme in *Cold Souls*, as Paul grapples with his depression and searches for fulfillment both personally and professionally. Nina’s dual life emphasizes the complexities of self-perception and authenticity in a world where souls can be commodified. The film questions what it truly means to possess one's essence in an increasingly disconnected society.
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Loss
Loss permeates the narrative, as characters confront the removal and longing for their souls. Paul’s journey emphasizes the emptiness that can accompany the pursuit of artistic perfection, while Nina's fate reveals the emotional toll of her illicit operations. The film poignantly illustrates how losing parts of oneself can lead to deeper emotional scars.
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Commerce of Souls
The concept of soul storage raises ethical questions about the commercialization of human essence. Set against a backdrop of a peculiar business model, the film critiques the lengths people go to in order to enhance their lives or careers, ultimately challenging the audience's views on what constitutes value in life and art.
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