Closer (Superbit Edition)
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Movie Reviews of Closer (Superbit Edition)
Movie Review: Four People Caught in Emotional Cross-Currents
Summary: 5 Stars
I read some of the lukewarm reviews (New York Times among others), and don't count myself as a card-carrying fan of any of the stars, and so wasn't expecting great things. But I found this film moving and powerful ... and realistic. In the arc of Mike Nichols's career, it is the perfect bookend to "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf."
Despite the messy emotions and hopscotch chronology, the film's themes are presented with formal precision. Every situation affecting one character has its counterpart for another character, every plot twist its countertwist, every good deed a corresponding misdeed (and good luck figuring out which is which). The characters find themselves in unrelenting emotional extremities -- dysfunction and euphoria, deception and self-deception, desperate longing, self-exposure without virtue of reflection, trust, loyalty, abandonment. Despite all the talking the characters indulge in, their self-absorption proceeds with a spectacular lack of self-examination. Decency is tried on for size, then discarded. They are beholden to desires so primal that decency is beside the point. (Thank God none of them have children!) Relational configurations shift stunningly, sorrowfully, at the pivotal moments when one character says or demands too much ... and another character reflexively withdraws trust. Scenes that seem saturated in deceit and distance wind up being honest and disarming through their emotional starkness.
The four characters could not be more vividly drawn by the actors, and that is what makes the claustrophobic drama tolerable for the length of the film. Each actor faces the tough job of maintaining interest and credibility despite baffling behavior and unsympathetic swerving, and each succeeds on the basis of solid characterization alone. Despite the histrionics afoot, each performance is finely nuanced, each ensemble scene perfectly calibrated and framed. The actors' faces accurately clock the sheer momentum of their impulses, and the quicksilver shifts in motivation.
Jude Law is phenomenal, cast against his golden-boy type as a man of middling integrity and raw, unwavering neediness. I thought he was the star of the show -- with no cosmetic assitance, he looks like a completely different man in this film. His very intensity is seductive yet destructive. Clive Owen is a charming brute -- a recklessly valiant warrior in the battle of the sexes and of sex. Julia Roberts is incandescent. Her sorrow and ineffable longing so closely match Law's, that they must either be a timeless couple or an impossible pair -- a tough choice, and no wonder they can't decide. Natalie Portman's character remains a mystery throughout, and for that reason is perhaps less sympathetic, but she is riveting -- again, her characteristization is so strong, by that very fact she is believable even when not understandable. Is her isolation chosen, deserved and imposed, or self-fulfilling prophecy? The question haunts us at film's end -- but I'll say that the two clues to her identity dropped on us at the end were overkill. Jude Law's discovery in the memorial garden would have sufficed.
These are not attractive characters and their situations aren't pretty -- I know the whole setup seems improbable to some, but in fact it's a realistic, accurate depiction of how our delusions of self-interest, our subjection to the laws of desire, can blind us to the consequences of our actions on ourselves and others, and how this short-sightedness can lay waste to civility in the most civilized circles. In a way, it's the "cheesiness" of Extreme Dating and other reality shows of its ilk, but with some humanity and poetry about it. What's shown is not the deliberate cruelty of "Dangerous Liaisons" -- in fact, it's no less degenerate, but since the failure here is ignorance rather than malice, it is redeemable. Therefore, I found the movie did not fling itself headlong into hopelessness.
Having finally seen this movie, I think it deserved more recognition than it got, and I recommend it highly. Some random notes: Some of the language is completely obscene -- I do not understand, even minus graphic images, how language like this can escape an X rating. The rating system needs to be revisited -- this is adult fare and NO ONE under seventeen should go anywhere near it. There are no special features with the DVD to speak of, aside from language choices. Interestingly, if you select the French subtitles, a whole scene that hinges on e-mail chat screens is presented in a separately-shot French version!
Movie Review: Closer to perfection than any romantic-drama has ever come
Summary: 5 Stars
Let me begin by saying that "Closer" is the kind of film that you've gotta see for yourself to decide if you like it. Half the time I see reviews by people who loved the film, and half the time I see reviews by people who absolutely despised it. I, myself, loved it.
"Closer" is the story of four individuals: obituary writer and struggling author Dan (Jude Law), waitress and ex-stripper Alice (Natalie Portman), popular photographer Anna (Julia Roberts) and dermatologist Larry (Clive Owen). Dan and Alice meet in London after Alice is hit by a car. A few months later, Dan is being photographed for his novel by Anna, and the two fall in love - but only Dan will admit it. Trying to get back at Anna, he pretends to be her on an Internet sex chat and tells Larry to meet her at an aquarium for sex. By chance, the real Anna is at the aquarium; she meets Larry and the two fall in love.
Eventually, Alice leaves Dan and Anna leaves Larry. By the end of the film, each man has had sex with each woman and vice versa; they seem to love whomever they're with, but in reality they only love their original partner.
I'd heard good things about this film before watching it, but after watching it the first time I was disappointed. While it was no doubt a fine film, there was more sexual dialog than I could have ever imagined! Now I can tolerate sexuality in a movie just as much as the next guy, but when the film becomes unrealistically sexual than I become fed up with it. And "Closer" seemed to be just that. But now, having watched the movie numerous more times, I realize that the film is abnormally sexual, but not necessarily overly sexual. Would it have been better without so much sexuality? Yes. But the rest of the film makes up for it. Oh yes, does it ever.
Patrick Marber's script is adapted from Marber's popular, award-winning play. The script is witty, intelligent and original. There are some great lines, which come from characters who seem very real.
The acting is one of the film's high points. Jude Law is terrific as Dan, who tries to be mean but just can't pull it off. He makes the character a target for sympathy from the audience. Natalie Portman is, as always, very good, as Alice. Julia Roberts, while good, doesn't give the best performance of her career; it feels like she's not putting in a huge amount of effort. Clive Owen is outstanding as always; Owen's performance has made Larry my favorite character in the film. He really brings out the bad side of Larry, but he's likable at the same time. There's a certain air of mysticism around Larry, like you never know what he's going to do next. Interestingly, Owen played Law's part in the original stage play.
Mike Nichols proves that his directorial talent hasn't faded one bit since he made the 1967 classic "The Graduate" - in fact, Nichols seems better than ever. He gives the film a cold, hard feeling, but at times he seems to loosen up - much like the characters themselves. He really captures the darkness of Patrick Marber's script.
The few songs on the soundtrack are excellent, but the one that really stands out is "The Blower's Daughter" by Damien Rice. It's used for the film's theme, and there isn't another song in the world that is so perfect for this movie as "Blower's Daughter". The song is absolutely beautiful; the sad, determined strength found in the lyrics matches the film well.
"Closer" is closer to perfection than any romantic-drama has ever come. If you're looking for a soft romance like "Sleepless in Seattle" or "Notting Hill", then this is probably not the movie for you. This is a mature, dark, grim look at romance, and I love it. "Closer" has become one of my favorite films. If you feel like watching the film and deciding for yourself how you feel, and you keep an open mind, then I applaud you.
Movie Review: A thin line between love and hate
Summary: 5 Stars
Closer is a unique movie in that it's not a typical Hollywood movie filled with Hollywood actors. Part of the thrill, I think, people will get from the film is seeing "Superstars" acting dirty. And you can certainly watch this film and get that thrill. But, that's just the surface of this intense movie.
I do think the DVD is giving people a false message with the review line from Times, "At last, a love story for adults." Unless an adult love story involves backstabbing and eventual destruction of relationships, this isn't true. However, I don't think that an "adult" relationship necessarily involves the harsh, harsh situations that occur in this movie. A mature look at relationships, yes.
In fact, what I liked most about this movie is the different perspective of love. Most romantic movies revolve around a person trying to get with another person. This movie transcends this idea by showing a period of time in the lives of four people. Not only that, but it shows that love can sometimes be destructive as is evident in the way the movie unfurls. It's sometimes hard to watch because you get frustrated with how the people act, but I give that as praise because the characters are doing what's in their character.
Another interesting thing is that people will flit in and out of the four person story but we really don't pay attention to them. I can't truly remember any characters besides the four main ones. And what this does to the story is show that, to these four people, no one else matters. They are so wrapped up in their game of love/war that nothing else matters, life passes them by. It's kind of a morality tale in that aspect because it not only shows the destructive ways in which they act but also that they are so caught up in their own lives that they don't notice anyone else. Very effective.
The acting is terrific. I'm not a fan of Julia Robert's choice in roles usually and was surprised to see her character in this because it's such a change of pace with her usual Runaway Bride/Best Friend's Wedding/Pretty Woman characters. The dialogue is very explicit and frank in dealing with sex and might offend those not expecting it. It's not a movie to take little kids to, that's for sure.
There's not too much "physical" action in the movie. Because it's based on a play, the action is represented in the dialogue. What's interesting and sometimes darkly humorous is the verbal warfare that occurs between the characters. Every scene is a war of wits as each character has an agenda and they use words to get to it. These situations can become darkly humorous and witty as we see two characters sparring with words. But this might be a turn off for some because, while there is a threat of violence that lingers between the lines, not too much physical action happens in the movie.
There is a song that flits over the opening and closing of the movie and it really is effective in conveying a sadness to the movie. The song, which I spent a long time trying to find, is "The Blower's Daughter" by Damien Rice if anyone is interested. It's on the cd "O" which you can find here.
As far as the DVD goes, there's basically nothing besides the movie. However, the DVD is a superbit edition which has been mastered in high definition with excellent sound which is probably why there isn't many extras since the superbit takes up much more room on a DVD. But if you have a TV and receiver to run it you will be in for a real treat.
I can't recommend this movie enough. If you are interested in seeing an atypical Hollywood movie about the thing called love and aren't put off by a word heavy movie, then this is an excellent place to look. It will frustrate you, entertain you, and make you think.
Movie Review: Is there a perfect mate?
Summary: 5 Stars
Closer is a movie about relationships. The title refers to getting close to someone. This film takes place over a period time. It is not apparent from a first watch but you will notice this on a second look. The screenplay was adapted from Patrick Marber's hit West End Play (I saw it in Los Angeles at the Mark Taper Forum.)
Dan Wolf (Jude Law) is a wannabe writer who is currently writing obits. One day he is walking down the street when American Alice Ayers (Natalie Portman) crosses the street and is hit by a taxi. Dan rushes Anna to the hospital and this starts their relationship.
Passage of time, Dan and Alice are now married. Dan has written a book based on Alice. He is sent to have his cover picture taken by Anna Cameron (Julia Roberts). He has an instant connection with her but she resists because he is married.
Passage of time, Dan is surfing in a chat room and pretends to be a woman. He is chatting up Dr. Larry Bagley (Clive Owen) who is bored at work. In the end, Larry asks to meet up. Off the top of his head, Dan agrees to meet Larry at the Aquarium and tells him his name is Anna.
Next day at the Aquarium, Larry finds Anna (she mentioned to Dan that the Aquarium is her favorite place to go and meditate.) But of course, she has no idea what is going on. That is until Larry tells her about the chat room. Anna puts two and two together. But she likes Larry, so no harm.
Passage of time, Anna is having her first showing of her photographs at a gallery. She has married Larry. Dan and Alice show up. While Dan is chatting up Anna, Larry is with Alice.
Passage of time, Larry has returned from a medical convention to find Anna out of sorts. It turns out that Dan and Anna have been having an affair ever since the showing. Simultaneously, Alice finds out about the affair and leaves Dan.
Passage of time, Larry has given into his baser desires and is now frequenting strip clubs and finds Anna performing. He becomes fixated with her and tries to get her to go home with him but she is still in love with Dan. (This is Natalie's best scene.)
Passage of time, Dan and Anna are on the outs and Dan confronts Larry. Larry baits Dan and he leaves in a rage. In the end, Anna returns to Larry but Dan is not so lucky.
The final scene has Dan back at a park by the hospital where he took Anna and finds out one of her secrets.
Mike Nichols is the one of the great directors who has not had a hit in years. This definitely broke his dry spell. This film had a definite edge but with a lesser director it would be tawdry, with Nichols it was perfection.
Clive Owen received a long overdue Oscar nomination and should have won (but it was great to see Morgan Freeman finally get his recognition.) Julia Roberts showed why she is the number one actress working. Anna is an extremely complex character and she handled every scene with extreme talent. This was Jude Law's year for roles (he had four films that year) but Dan is not a likeable character so he was greatly overlooked. Natalie Portman also received an Oscar nomination for her deft work as the quintessential "other woman".
This is not a film for the prudish or faint of heart. This is an all out attack on your senses and a lovely attack.
DVD EXTRAS: Music Video - The Blower's Daughter - Haunting in the film but does not stand up as a solo song.
Movie Review: Sweeter
Summary: 5 Stars
"Closer" is a heavyweight breathtaking drama that rivets the viewer's attention. The characters are not entirely likable, although each is eminently watchable. Director Mike Nichols won the Oscar for Best Director for "The Graduate" in 1967 and has been nominated 3 other times for "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (1966), "Silkwood" (1983), & "Working Girl" (1988). Along with films like "Primary Colors" and the TV mini-series "Angels in America," he has an unparalleled ear for dialogue. No, it's not particularly pleasant. No, these are not the people your pastor hopes you will be. But each of these characters represent needs and desires that are shared by most people and are as confused by them as are many. Patrick Marber's screenplay adaptation of his stage drama is heart-wrenchingly truthful.
Of the four strong performances here, the most revelatory for me was Julia Roberts' portrayal of American photographer Anna living in London. She is selfish but has a conscience. She takes what she wants, but tries not to admit to it. In the scene with Larry where she breaks up her marriage, it is some of the best screen time of her career. When Larry grills her on the details of her sexual relationship with Dan, her zinger about the taste of his semen, "It's like yours only sweeter" is like a bullet shot from a gun. It recalls the Elizabeth Taylor line in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?," "You can take it; you married me for it." It is utterly fearless and brilliant. What a raw amazing performance!
As Dan, Jude Law turns is an edgy self-effacing performance that adds to his reputation as one of the great young actors. His scenes with Natalie Portman are enhanced by their similar pairing in "Cold Mountain." On camera, Law is magnetic. As Dan, the writer of the newspaper obituary column, he turns the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Clive Owen is amazing as the strong less-than-sensitive type. His internet sex dialogues with Jude Law's Dan posing as Anna on the computer are as intense as they are manipulated. When he sits in the aquarium with Anna and with tremendous embarrassment learns the truth, he admits, "He certainly can write!" In the scene with Julia Roberts he bellows "I'm a caveman." It seems to typify the heart of "Closer," investigating these very primal sexual urges we have and how they interweave with the emotional attachments we call "love." Owen was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for this role and won the Golden Globe Award.
As Alice, Natalie Portman turns in an amazing performance. Her character seems somewhat beyond reach, but she works the territory masterfully, exploring each need and nuance as if it were a beautiful discovery. Portman was nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar and also won the Golden Globe Award.
Damien Rice's song "The Blower's Daughter" is an interesting DVD extra with that riveting chorus, "Can't take my eyes off of you." It's the perfect love song for this film, part pure love and part compulsive addiction. Mike Nichols has worked with an excellent cast and polished this dialogue to perfection. The rhythms build and twist and the lovers attract, repel, trust and betray. It does not so much build to an inevitable conclusion so much as it feels like we've followed the characters through a very intense period of life. This is a film that will be watched and discussed for decades. Bravo!