CLOSER
When Mike Nichols is in the director's chair, we
know that we are in for a fast ride on an emotional
roller coaster. Forewarned is forearmed, so hang on
tight for this one. And along with that tight grip, watch
closely, there's a lot that could slip by an inattentive
viewer. Beware of sudden changes in time, as you
may be whisked forward a few years with no
warning, and few clues.
As for the drama itself, don't expect any lightweight
love at first sight drivel. This is an emotional,
hard-core story of love, hate, deceit and betrayal at
its most base level. No gentle love story can be
detected here. Rather, you'll get a confusing,
complicated collage of painful, raw emotion.
All the leading roles are well cast and all give
commanding performances. Natalie Portman is
Alice, a young stripper who has no illusions about
love and life. Julia Roberts takes the other female
lead as Anna, a photographer who fully succumbs to
her client's charms. Jude Law and Clive Owen play
the corresponding males, but don't jump to any
conclusions about who goes with whom.
The screenplay is an adaptation of a stage play by
the same author, Patrick Marber. And only a master
at his craft could have woven a stripper, a
dermatologist, an obituary writer and a photographer
into such an intricate tapestry of love and hate.
know that we are in for a fast ride on an emotional
roller coaster. Forewarned is forearmed, so hang on
tight for this one. And along with that tight grip, watch
closely, there's a lot that could slip by an inattentive
viewer. Beware of sudden changes in time, as you
may be whisked forward a few years with no
warning, and few clues.
As for the drama itself, don't expect any lightweight
love at first sight drivel. This is an emotional,
hard-core story of love, hate, deceit and betrayal at
its most base level. No gentle love story can be
detected here. Rather, you'll get a confusing,
complicated collage of painful, raw emotion.
All the leading roles are well cast and all give
commanding performances. Natalie Portman is
Alice, a young stripper who has no illusions about
love and life. Julia Roberts takes the other female
lead as Anna, a photographer who fully succumbs to
her client's charms. Jude Law and Clive Owen play
the corresponding males, but don't jump to any
conclusions about who goes with whom.
The screenplay is an adaptation of a stage play by
the same author, Patrick Marber. And only a master
at his craft could have woven a stripper, a
dermatologist, an obituary writer and a photographer
into such an intricate tapestry of love and hate.
Mary’s comments
If falling in love sounds like a good idea, this
movie will make you think twice before
taking the plunge. A very arbitrary
sequence of events results in unusual
relationships that have very dark and
painful overtones for all involved. No fairy
tale endings here, but you'll be swept into
the plot by very capable acting and
direction.
If falling in love sounds like a good idea, this
movie will make you think twice before
taking the plunge. A very arbitrary
sequence of events results in unusual
relationships that have very dark and
painful overtones for all involved. No fairy
tale endings here, but you'll be swept into
the plot by very capable acting and
direction.
© 2003 St. Louis Movie Review Weekly. All rights reserved, except where indicated.
Brenda’s comments
A splendid cast makes this dark tale of love
and hate run like a fine machine. It could
easily have slipped into chronicling a bitter
battle between pairs of ex-lovers, but good
acting and excellent direction elevated the
story to a higher plane. Well worth seeing,
but no simple love-at-first-sight morsel.
A splendid cast makes this dark tale of love
and hate run like a fine machine. It could
easily have slipped into chronicling a bitter
battle between pairs of ex-lovers, but good
acting and excellent direction elevated the
story to a higher plane. Well worth seeing,
but no simple love-at-first-sight morsel.
| ST. LOUIS MOVIE REVIEW WEEKLY Publishers: Brenda S. Ladd & Mary K. Morgan |
Movie Details
Official Movie Website
Theatrical Release
2004
Home Video
3/29/05
MPAA Rating
Rated R for sequences of
graphic sexual dialogue,
nudity/sexuality and
language
Running Time
1 hour 44 minutes
Directed by
Mike Nichols
Cast
Julia Roberts, Natalie
Portman, Jude Law, Clive
Owen
Studio
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Theatrical Release
2004
Home Video
3/29/05
MPAA Rating
Rated R for sequences of
graphic sexual dialogue,
nudity/sexuality and
language
Running Time
1 hour 44 minutes
Directed by
Mike Nichols
Cast
Julia Roberts, Natalie
Portman, Jude Law, Clive
Owen
Studio
Sony Pictures Entertainment
DVD Details
Disc Specs
Region (unknown)
Keep Case
Full Frame 1.33
Audio
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
DTS Superbit English
Dolby Surround Sound French
Subtitles English Closed Captioning
Subtitles French Optional
Additional Release Material
Music Video "The Blower's Daughter"
Damien Rice
Trailers 1. Sony Pictures Previews
Region (unknown)
Keep Case
Full Frame 1.33
Audio
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
DTS Superbit English
Dolby Surround Sound French
Subtitles English Closed Captioning
Subtitles French Optional
Additional Release Material
Music Video "The Blower's Daughter"
Damien Rice
Trailers 1. Sony Pictures Previews