Review of Closer (2004) by Dawdlingpoet — 27 Nov 2021

This is a drama film with romantic elements and it covers themes including trust and deceit. I thought it seemed relatively well thought out, with interesting characters and a decent cast (more on that later). It is a little slow to build, plot pace wise but I found it overall a relatively easy watch. I felt there was a sense of oneupmanship (or oneup-woman-ship perhaps may be more to the point) present not long after the film started.

This is very much a 21st century film, with the internet playing a part in the plot. Its quite saucy, as you might imagine. Some scenes were quite amusing - I found myself giggling at times. Some of the scenarios, or plot details, are a bit ludicrous but also quite cringey - if your very much a prude then this film may well not be for you, I'll say that much. The characters all seem to be of an aspirational type - that is, middle class but seemingly keen to climb up to upper class status or higher/upper middle class types, which may put some people off. There is a definite sense of some of the characters seeming brazenly quite selfish but then things don't go as easily as they may hope. I won't elaborate so as not to spoil the film for potential viewers. Its one of those films where the viewer finds themselves trying to guess what will happen next, what someone will do and whether or not others will realise and in which we potentially ponder the ending quite far ahead of time. If your not at all keen on character driven dramas, then, as I've said numerous times before, this may not be for you, as it does consist of a lot of dialogue and not especially exciting scene settings.

Cast wise, the film stars Julia Roberts as Anna, a professional photographer who is a little jaded perhaps. Jude Law plays Dan, a far too casual yet somewhat sharp witted guy, while Natalie Portman plays Alice and Clive Owen plays Larry. There is definitely a meeting of minds, type battle of the wits situation between Dan and Larry, which is quite well portrayed, while Alice comes across as a more sensitive type.

Content wise, the film contains constant, quite strong sex references, some nudity but no full frontal. There is also strong language present and some violence, although nothing especially graphic. Characters are shown both smoking and drinking alcohol at times. The film has been given a 15 rating to reflect this content.

The plot seemed very insular, to a point by which it may feel a bit nauseatingly claustrophobic. I suppose it depends on your personal preferences, what type of films you enjoy and so on, as to whether this would appeal to you. It is definitely unsettling at points, although its hard to explain precisely why.

Its hard to say whether I'd recommend this film or not. It features a good cast and has a few amusing moments, although it isn't for very prudish people and neither will some plot aspects appeal to some, such as the selfish nature of some of the characters and the social class aspect present too perhaps. I thought it was ok - its a decent character driven drama I suppose but I'll leave it up to yourself to decide if its one for you or not.