Traffic (2000) - Synopsis
A contemporary thriller set in the world of drug trafficking, Traffic is the new film from director Steven Soderbergh. The ensemble cast is headed by Michael Douglas, Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro, Luis Guzman, Dennis Quaid, and Catherine Zeta Jones. Traffic evokes the high stakes and high risks of the drug trade, as seen through a series of interrelated stories, some of which are highly personal and some of which are filled with intrigue and danger.
Mexican policeman Javier Rodriguez (Benicio Del Toro) works on and around the border, with his close friend and fellow policeman Manolo Sanchez (Jacob Vargas), under Mexico's number one crime fighter, General Salazar (Tomas Milian). Confronted with temptations of power and money, Javier resists them but finds himself - and Manolo - caught in a web of corruption that leads to an untenable situation.
Back in the U.S., Ohio State Supreme Court Justice Robert Wakefield (Michael Douglas) is named by the President as the new anti-drug czar. Collecting information, the uncompromising and conservative Wakefield prepares to supervise the country's task forces and partner them with Mexico's. But, at home, he and his wife Barbara (Amy Irving) must deal with their increasingly drug-addicted teenage daughter Caroline (Erika Christensen).
In San Diego, undercover DEA agents Montel Gordon (Don Cheadle) and Ray Castro (Luis Guzman) work overtime to help the U.S. government build its case against the infamous Obregon drug cartel. Their bust of mid-level drug trafficker Eduardo Ruiz (Miguel Ferrer) pays off when their new prisoner cuts a deal to testify against wealthy drug baron Carlos Ayala (Steven Bauer), who lives in the upscale suburbs. Carlos is arrested, shocking his unknowing and pregnant wife Helena (Catherine Zeta Jones). Helena and her son are quickly threatened by her husband's associates and tailed by the DEA agents. Enlisting the aid of attorney Arnie Metzger (Dennis Quaid), Helena vows to get Carlos out of jail and keep her children safe - even if it means taking over her husband's business.
Steven Soderbergh is the director of Traffic. His other films as director include Erin Brockovich (2000), Limey, The (1999), Out Of Sight (1998), King Of The Hill (1993), Kafka (1991), and Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989).
USA Films presents in association with Initial Entertainment Group a Bedford Falls/Laura Bickford production. Michael Douglas, Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro, Luis Guzman, Dennis Quaid, Catherine Zeta Jones. Traffic. Casting by Debra Zane C.S.A., Music by Cliff Martinez. Costume Design by Louise Frogley. Edited by Stephen Mirrione. Production Design by Philip J. Messina. Executive Producers, Richard Solomon, Mike Newell, Cameron Jones. Executive Producers, Graham King, Andreas Klein. Produced by Edward Zwick, Marshall Herskovitz, Laura Bickford. Screenplay by Stephen Gaghan. Directed by Steven Soderbergh.
