Moderately entertaining if almost too quirky sci-fi comedy along the lines of, but happily much more restrained than, something like “Being John Malkovich”. Paul Giamatti plays himself, so tormented by a gruelling dramatic role that he has his soul scientifically extracted for two weeks so he get play the role. Unfortunately he doesn’t realize there is an international trade in extracted souls and his is, er, “misplaced”.
The funny thing is he, and other serious actors, like Emily Mortimer, play this absurd idea so straight that it works. They never do reveal exactly what the difference between having a soul and not having a soul is, as everybody who undergoes the process seems to basically still be themselves, although several times people are heard wanting their souls back, and Giamatti is distressed enough to find he can’t reclaim his to go through some intrigue trying to get it back.
The whole affair is reasonably well done and entertaining because of the talent of the cast and the completely straight-laced treatment by everyone involved (thereby avoiding what I think is the fatal flaw of “Being John Malkovich” and most othe other self-consciously “weird” efforts.) I liked it well enough, I don’t regret the time spent watching it.