Review of Closer (2004) by Tara G — 30 Jan 2010
Mark Kermode has been discussing the notion of 'depressing' films, and can a good film be depressing? I think Closer really nails it.
It is a very-well written (wordy, adapted from a play), beautifully-staged and acted ensemble piece, featuring 4 people, beautiful on the outside but pretty rotten within. It is richly textured and covers lots of issues, and the characters are extremely-well-drawn.
But some of its messages are pretty depressing. The men are childish, venal and competitive. Everything is a struggle that requires them to get the better hand to maintain any sort of self-esteem. They appear incapable of restraint in any sense. The women are also utterly lacking in self-esteem, deceitful and shallow. Whoop-de-doo.
Clive Owen is terrific, my favourite of the leading foursome, and Natalie Portman is a revelation, so much better than those awful Star Wars scenes. The direction and staging is impressive and there are some great scenes, especially Clive Owen and Julia Roberts' confrontation...
This review of Closer (2004) was written by Tara G on 30 Jan 2010.
Closer has generally received positive reviews.
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