C L O S E R

Plot Summary

British writer, Dan (Jude Law) meets Alice (Natalie Portman), a young American stripper, after she is knocked down by a London cab driver. A year later they are still together but Dan is obsessed with a beautiful photographer, Anna (Julia Roberts). Although attracted to Dan she doesn't what to split the couple up. Later Anna starts seeing Larry who she meet when Dan unwittingly set them up as a joke. Dan still obsessed with Anna continues to pursue her and the lives of the four characters become intertwined... As if life wasn't complicated enough!

Review

Based on the stage production this drama looks at adult relationships and there are loads of ideas in the film to think about. Commitment, betrayal and deceit are just some of the elements that are explored. One of the themes that runs through the film is; whether it is better to tell the truth. Is it better to know the truth? Also, do we always want to know the truth? There are lots of incidents in the film that suggest it would have been better if the truth wasn't told but interestingly one of the characters who is, at times, brutally honest ends but the happiest!

One of the problems with the film is that none of the characters are that likeable and therefore the film mightn't engage the audience like it could. It is hard to empathise with the characters as they cheat and meddle in each others lives. Alice played by Natalie Portman and Larry played by Clive Owen are the most interesting. You get an idea of what makes them tick. Unlike Anna (Julia Roberts) and Dan (Jude Law) who come across as somewhat weak and selfish Alice and Larry know what they want (most of the time!). Natalie Portman gives a great performance and stands out amongst the cast. Next is Clive Owen with Julia Roberts and Jude Law, limited by their characters, as runner-ups. Both Portman and Owen received Golden Globes for their performances.

The dialogue is clever but at times comes across somewhat unrealistic and some of the lines are delivered as if just learnt. I found myself thinking a few times that nobody would have a conversation like that. The fact that it is based on a stage production where dialogue, as opposed to visual images, is the main medium is a contributing factor in this.

Lasting Thought:  Is it always best to know the truth?

The Bottom Line: A cynical drama that might leave you with something to think about but might also leave you cold. There will be mixed reviews on this one. If you enjoy Closer you might also enjoy Unfaithful.

Reviewed by Niall Quinn, Premier Movie Reviews 2005.

RELATED MOVIE REVIEWS: JULIA ROBERTS: America's Sweethearts,  Erin Brockovich,  Mona Lisa Smile,  Ocean's Eleven.  NATALIE PORTMAN: Cold Mountain,  Star Wars Episode II - Attack Of The Clones.  JUDE LAW: A.I. (Artificial Intelligence),  Cold Mountain,  Road To Perdition,  The Talented Mr. Ripley,  Alfie,  Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events,  The Aviator.  CLIVE OWEN: The Bourne Identity,  King Arthur.

Genre: Drama

Director: Mike Nichols

Certificate: Closer is rated 18's by the Irish Film Censor's Office (www.ifco.ie). The film has explicit sexual dialogue, strong language and mild nudity..

Official Movie Website: Closer

~ Main Cast ~

Julia Roberts

Natalie Portman

Jude Law

Clive Owen

RATING

ONLY IF YOU HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO