NEW YORK — In his latest film, “Presence,” Steven Soderbergh takes on a multifaceted role, serving as both the director and the cinematographer, while also embodying the film’s central spirit. This unique project is shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost inhabiting a house recently occupied by a family. Operating under the pseudonym Peter Andrews, which honors his father’s name, Soderbergh essentially acts as the ghostly observer witnessing the violent events that led to the supernatural presence’s demise.
Despite being a seasoned filmmaker, the production of “Presence,” which hits theaters this Friday, posed a distinct challenge. Soderbergh utilized a small digital camera and walked in slippers to minimize noise during filming. At 62 years of age, he finds himself balancing multiple projects, having just wrapped up the post-production of another film, “Black Bag,” scheduled for release on March 14, while also gearing up for a romantic comedy that he describes as reminiscent of a George Cukor film.
Known for his significant works like “Out of Sight,” the “Ocean’s 11” series, “Magic Mike,” and “Erin Brockovich,” Soderbergh is adept at crafting compelling films within tight time frames. Remarkably, “Presence” was filmed over a mere span of 11 days. His creative ability to adapt has positioned him as one of Hollywood’s most respected commentators on the current movie landscape. In a candid discussion, he shared his thoughts on the impact of streaming services, dubbing them as the most disruptive element in the history of cinema, and humorously referred to himself as, “the cockroach of this industry,” suggesting his resilience regardless of the changing times.
When asked about his use of pseudonyms within the industry, Soderbergh mentioned he chose to include a camera operator credit for the first time, acknowledging the challenges of his role in this film. He admitted to having ruined more takes than anyone else, underscoring the pressure that comes with personal accountability in the creative process.
The filmmaker expressed his appreciation for projects that allow him to operate outside conventional studio systems, emphasizing the efficiency and creative freedom that comes from smaller, independent productions. He shared insightful critiques on the streaming model, lamenting the loss of valuable metrics that help gauge an artist’s success and audience reach. The opacity surrounding streaming service operations makes it hard for creators to understand and handle their work’s reception, which he finds troubling, as knowing this information is crucial for artistic growth.
Discussing the evolving audience landscape, Soderbergh conveyed optimism, noting that companies like Focus Features, Neon, and A24 are successfully attracting young viewers, who he terms the “Letterboxd generation.” He hopes that this trend continues globally, as these audiences are discerning and seek out unique storytelling and distinct filmmaker perspectives.
Reflecting on the cultural context of cinema, Soderbergh lamented that there was a time when the year’s most acclaimed films were also its most popular, a balance that seems harder to achieve today. While there are still exceptional films being made, he believes that the industry’s success metrics should evolve to be more inclusive of various forms of artistic merit.
He also acknowledged his passion for experimentation in filmmaking, describing two projects he has in mind—one that features an entirely different style and demands. Soderbergh confessed that despite feeling the urge to embrace new challenges with each film, he does not find the process exhausting; rather, it feels like a natural evolution of his skills and storytelling approach.
The conversation turned to the comparison of his work to the masterpieces created by his heroes. He mentioned a continuous pursuit for growth rather than mastering a singular style or achieving a definitive standard, revealing a humble awareness of his limitations. He proudly respects timeless classics made by legends, yet remains grounded about his unique contributions to cinema.
Finally, Soderbergh reflected on his development as a filmmaker, attributing it to his upbringing and the mentors who guided him. The journey back to Sundance with “Presence,” 35 years after his debut, felt profoundly fulfilling to him, demonstrating a lasting impact and the ongoing interest in storytelling, which continues to nourish his passion for filmmaking.
