Film Review: Closer

If you want a film with hard-hitting honesty, larger than life (but real) characters, and a sharp intelligent script, then this is the film for you. As an adaptation of a stage play, it really feels that way, in that the although the dialogue has that slightly unrealistic rhythm about it, it contains some of the sharpest exchanges you'll see all year.

The movie begins with chance meetings of four individuals, and follows a turbulent four years or so of their lives, involving marriages, affairs, and a fair amount of unhappiness. This is not a melancholy movie though. There are some pointedly witty passages in it, and a fair amount of brutally honest adult conversations. Unlike a lot of movies, it doesn't deign to spell out every nuance and hand-hold the audience - it gives plenty of room for thought in each scene, without assuming the viewer can't catch up.

Mike Nicholls transfers the play to film well; it's an assured display, and the opening and closing scenes are stunning, and set the tone on the whole movie. The four main characters put in strong performances, but the tours de force are Natalie Portman and Clive Owen, who steal every scene, and seem to fill the screen. That's not to say that Jude Law and Julia Roberts don't do a good job: Law is acting out of his skin, but can only reproduce some of the saucy Londoner he delivers in Alfie, whereas Julia Roberts does herself a favour by underacting for once in an understated role. It's more that Owen's boorish doctor, and Portman's beguiling stripper are the most interesting characters, and have the most to say for themselves.

At times uncomfortable viewing, other times funny, Closer is always compelling, and entertains throughout. Recommended. 7.5/10