Movie Trailer: Steven Soderbergh's The Girlfriend Experience

Magnolia Pictures has released the trailer for Steven Soderbergh's The Girlfriend Experience. Set in the weeks leading up to the 2008 presidential election, the film tells the story of five days in the life of Chelsea (adult film star Sasha Grey in her mainstream film debut), an ultra high-end Manhattan call girl who offers more than sex to her clients, but companionship and conversation – "the girlfriend experience."  Chelsea thinks she has her life totally under control—she feels her future is secure because she runs her own business her own way, makes $2000 an hour, and has a devoted boyfriend (Chris Santos) who accepts her lifestyle. But when you're in the business of meeting people, you never know who you're going to meet...

The film has a surprise premiere, which I missed, at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Cinematical called it "an intimate and yet honest movie about honesty and intimacy." Film School Rejects said that "Soderbergh has captured some truly stunning visuals and has delivered a non-linear narrative that is both engaging and not overly complicated." CHUD said it felt like "Soderbergh's indie half and mainstream half coming together; while related to Bubble, it feels much more accessible and complete." The trailer is pretty intriguing.

The Girlfriend Experience will be released On Demand on April 30th, and will hit theaters in New York and Los Angeles on Friday, May 22nd.