Cold Souls

Director: Sophie Barthes

Writer: Sophie Barthes

Cast: Paul Giamatti, David Strathairn, Dina Korzun, Katheryn Winnick, Emily Watson

Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn Films

Country: US

Theatrical Release Date: August 7, 2009

Synopsis: In response to shiny, bigger, better American consumerism comes "Cold Souls," first-time feature director Sophie Barthes' surreal comedy in which souls can be extracted and traded as commodities.... In response to shiny, bigger, better American consumerism comes "Cold Souls," first-time feature director Sophie Barthes' surreal comedy in which souls can be extracted and traded as commodities. Balancing on a tightrope between deadpan humor and pathos, and reality and fantasy, the film presents Paul Giamatti as himself, agonizing over his interpretation of Uncle Vanya. Paralyzed by anxiety, he stumbles upon a solution via a New Yorker article about a high-tech company promising to alleviate suffering by extracting souls. Giamatti enlists their services - only to discover that his soul is the shape and size of a chickpea - intending to reinstate it once he survives the performance. Complications ensue when a mysterious, soul-trafficking “mule” borrows Giamatti's stored soul for a talentless, Russian soap-opera actress. Rendered soulless, Paul is left with no choice but to follow the trail back to St. Petersburg. Funny, charming and wildly imaginative, the film explores the profound moods and inner struggles of a man in search of his essence. Also starring David Strathairn, Emily Watson and Dina Korzun. [Synopsis courtesy of IDP/Samuel Goldwyn Films]

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