'The Christophers': Emotionally Authentic Art

In this episode of The Bulwark Goes to Hollywood, host Sonny Bunch interviews screenwriter Ed Solomon about his new film *The Christophers*, directed by Steven Soderbergh. The conversation delves into the film’s origins—sparked by a casual, one-sentence idea from Soderbergh that evolved into a deeply personal story about artistic legacy, emotional authenticity, and the commodification of art. Solomon reveals how the film emerged from his own relationship with his mother, a painter, and his desire to explore mentorship and truth in storytelling. The movie, set in a dual-townhouse London space, uses its confined setting as a character in itself, rich with visual storytelling and layered history. Solomon emphasizes the importance of emotional truth over plot mechanics, challenging the expectation of deception in heist narratives by having characters reveal truths earlier than expected. The discussion also explores Soderbergh’s unique filmmaking process—handheld cinematography, minimal coverage, real-time editing, and actor-driven rehearsal—creating a raw, intimate cinematic language. The film’s themes of artistic identity, the tension between conceptual and traditional art, and the cost of fame are interwoven with performances by Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel, whose collaborative process led to subtle but powerful script refinements. Solomon closes by urging audiences to support smaller, emotionally resonant films in an industry increasingly driven by data and algorithmic predictability.