Here are three more reviews of Closer. The first review is from Karen, in which she focuses on the acting. Which I think is rather kind, as focusing on anything else would probably be unfavourable to the film
Closer reminded me very much of The Unbearable Lightness of Being, not least because of Natalie Portman’s resemblance to the young Juliette Binoche, but also because of the contrast where the older woman is portrayed as stronger but turns out to be weaker, and vice versa.
The film’s origin as a stageplay was obvious from its stark, witty dialogue, and the minimal amount of physical action; it would almost work as a radio play, but then you would miss out on Julia Roberts’ big guilty cowlike eyes.
Clive Owen was excellent as the dark, earthy, vengeance-seeking Larry; his cool delivery intertwining with his smouldering hurt and anger. Portman and Roberts are beautiful and moving. I have never seen Jude Law play a likeable part, and this was no exception.
There was an atmosphere of utter concentration in the auditorium, and a palpable hush as the credits rolled. A very effective film.
Thanks to Stroppycow for the next review. Succinctly put, and I can vouch for the amusement offered by the internet scene.
My 2p for what it’s worth.
I thought it was slick and well acted but I don’t think it will stay with me very long. I don’t know why I felt so detached from it. The locations were familiar, I recognised bits of me in some of the characters and even bits of the dialogues yet I just couldn’t “buy” it. Despite “knowing” the characters I just didn’t care enough what happened to them. I enjoyed the internet scene very much and I thought the scene where Larry and Anna break up was spot on. Not sure why I did not like it more. Maybe I am just a fusspot.
Our third and final review for now comes from Pam, who calls it “A film about people who don’t know what love is.”
It opens with Dan (Jude Law) and Alice (Natalie Portman) walking towards each other on a busy street (soundtrack Damien Rice “The Blower’s Daughter”) in slow motion. Alice promptly gets run over by a taxi and is taken to the hospital by Dan. Fast-forward and Dan is getting his picture taken for his book by Anna (Julia Roberts) and they kiss, apparently without a second thought about his relationship with Alice. Fast-forward again and Dan is having cyber-sex with Larry (Clive Owen) whilst pretending to be Anna (very funny scene). Larry meets Anna who has no idea what he’s talking about but they end up getting married. And then everybody sleeps about and people break up and get back together again and call each other very bad names in the process. It’s hard to believe that it’s actually Julia Roberts in this film because nobody talks to her in such a sexual manner. It’s against the law.
No, seriously it’s an interesting film but don’t expect any deep life-changing insights into love because that’s not what this is about. Golden Globes thoroughly deserved by Clive Owen and Natalie Portman (who is very cute).
If you have a review, send it to me and I shall not bite you.