The Laundromat

About The Laundromat: The Laundromat is a 2019 comedy film directed by Steven Soderbergh. It tells the story of a widow, Ellen Martin, played by Meryl Streep, who investigates an insurance fraud case that leads her down a rabbit hole into the world of offshore financial corruption. The film is based on the real-life Panama Papers scandal and is structured as a series of interconnected vignettes. Explore: - About - Making / Production - Actors - Trivia / Interesting Facts - Quotes - Music - Soundtrack About: The Laundromat explores the intricacies of the Panama Papers scandal, a leak of 11.5 million files from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, which exposed the involvement of numerous high-profile individuals and corporations in offshore tax evasion and money laundering. The film employs a satirical approach to shed light on the complex world of offshore finance and the powerful individuals who exploit it. The story follows Ellen Martin as she seeks justice for the death of her husband in a boat accident that was falsely attributed to insurance fraud. Her investigation uncovers a vast network of shell companies and corrupt dealings, leading her to the now-defunct law firm Mossack Fonseca. Making / Production: The Laundromat was produced by Netflix and directed by Steven Soderbergh. Soderbergh, known for his work on Ocean's Eleven and Traffic, brings his unique storytelling style to the film. The screenplay was written by Scott Z. Burns, who also penned the screenplay for Soderbergh's Contagion. The film was shot on location in various countries, including the United States, Panama, and the British Virgin Islands. Soderbergh employed a documentary-style approach, using handheld cameras and natural lighting to create a sense of authenticity. Actors: - Meryl Streep as Ellen Martin: Streep delivers a stellar performance as the determined widow who becomes entangled in the world of offshore finance. - Gary Oldman as Jürgen Mossack: Oldman portrays one of the co-founders of Mossack Fonseca with charisma and charm, showcasing his versatility as an actor. - Antonio Banderas as Ramón Fonseca: Banderas gives a nuanced performance as the other co-founder of Mossack Fonseca, revealing the complexities and motivations of his character. - Sharon Stone as Hannah: Stone plays Hannah, a wealthy widow who becomes entwined in the offshore corruption. Her character adds a layer of dark humor to the film. Trivia / Interesting Facts: - The Laundromat is based on Jake Bernstein's book "Secrecy World: Inside the Panama Papers Investigation of Illicit Money Networks and the Global Elite." - The film features multiple narrative threads and employs various storytelling techniques to explore different aspects of the Panama Papers scandal. - The script underwent multiple revisions to find the right balance between humor and the serious subject matter. - Steven Soderbergh shot the film using an iPhone, as he did with his previous film "Unsane." Quotes: - "The world isn't just for the rich. It's for all of us." - Ellen Martin - "The illusion of risk control." - Jürgen Mossack - "If you don't take the bribe, it will be offered to someone else." - Ramón Fonseca Music: The Laundromat features an original score composed by David Holmes. The music complements the film's satirical tone and enhances the narrative tension. Soundtrack: The film incorporates songs from various artists, including: - "The Way I Am" by Charlie Brown Jr. - "Jive Baby on a Saturday Night" by The Jellies - "Gold Canary" by Cloud Control - "The Magic in You" by Gareth Johnson The soundtrack adds energy and atmosphere to the film, accentuating key moments and contributing to the overall viewing experience. The Laundromat received critical acclaim for its satirical take on the Panama Papers scandal and the financial corruption it exposed. While it did not receive any major awards, it is regarded as a thought-provoking and entertaining film that delves into the global phenomena of money laundering and tax evasion.