Closer (2004) Dir: Mike Nichols
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This 2004 romantic drama, directed by Mike Nichols, was not a film that I could particularly say I was all too familiar with, aside from some brief screen-caps from one of the film's more famous scenes. As such, I went into the film pretty much blind, but I had a feeling that I'd come out of it thinking at least relatively highly of it.
I think the feature I enjoyed most about the film was its aesthetic, both auditorily and visually. To my taste, at least, the film's soundtrack was really good, particularly for the scenes in the strip club. I also felt that some of the shots throughout the film, while relatively understated, for the most part, were very pretty - again, particularly those shot in the strip club.
The film was written by Patrick Marber, and was based upon his award-winning play of the same name, and this undoubtedly plays like a stage production. It utilised few characters and limited sets, which gave it an intimate feel. It was also a film built around its characters, much like many stageplays of similar varieties.
The story had a lot of emotions channelling through it, as one would expect, considering the premise (two intersecting relationships). I felt that this was done rather well, and allowed a natural build-up of tension between characters that made, in turn, for a good level of narrative conflict. I may not have enjoyed the experience of the film, but I won't discredit its strengths.
Natalie Portman was by far my favourite actor in the film. She was wonderful. I found her believable, and, in her own way, rather endearing. She was also the one character who did the least wrong, which definitely helped her be the most likable. I also felt that her more emotional scenes were the strongest of anyone.
Jude Law played the kind of character that was his romantic comedy bread and butter in the noughties. However, his character is so irritating in this film, that it was hard to enjoy Law's acting. For what it's worth, the majority of said-acting was decent, particularly the more emotional deliveries.
Julia Roberts had some very nuanced scenes - I think her facial expressions were the best of anyone in the film, but she didn't hit the highs of Portman. That said, this was still a very good performance. I think the way she juxtaposed Owen in particular was just marvellous.
Speaking of whom, Clive Owen's performance was good, but I hated his character. It really took away from my enjoyment of his acting, which isn't necessarily fair, I know, but a lot of that had to do with the way Owen delivered his lines. He just came across like an angry and unlikeable man.
Overall, I think that this is one of those films that belongs in the category of miserable people doing miserable things to one another. It feels masochistic watching films like this. I think that the individual elements of the film were good - the cinematography, the acting, the emotions behind it - but, for me, it was not an enjoyable viewing experience.
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