film: Closer

Closer 1/5

This film suffers from a poor script and some sub-par acting.

It starts out promising, appearing to be one of those films where strangers end up having their stories crossing one another with interesting ties emerging.

The most amusing scene takes place where an unwitting and bored doctor (Clive Owen) is chatting up “Anna”, a woman in a chat room. They arrange a liason and two people meet who were never meant to meet.



Natalie Portman’s performance seems too stilted as the film drags on. Julia Roberts looks dowdy and normal, as opposed to her regular glamorous self, but gives a solid performance. Jude Law is wimpy too animated while Clive Owen is downright manical and disturbed, especially as he tries to drag out the truth from his wife about her affair. There's a lot of relationship changing, enough to make your head spin, but it's not credible.

This is one of those films where your impression of it will largely depend on what you bring to it. I found it only mildly interesting at times and not good enough to warrant a second view or a recommendation.