Review of Closer (2004) by Mikec — 05 Sep 2005

An honest and compeliing, if perhaps somewhat contrived film, about male emotion when applied to relationships. The dialogue is tough, but real, and well written, as it not only conveys the emotions of the characters, but also show wit and intelligence.

The characters all have flaws, and all become conniving and unlikable to some degree (maybe too much), and yet it all seems understandable, though not always agreeable. All the actors perform well, though Natalie Portman and Jude Law were cast to their strengths, while Julia Roberts plays against character and does a fine job.

Clive Owen, to me, provides the best performace. I wanted to like him and dislike at the same time. I liked his character's honesty, and disliked him for his brutal truth attitude toward sex and realtionships.

Those who who fear frank discussions about sex and realtionships should skip it.