Best Film Of The Year

Rating: Null/10 (22 March 2006)

Closer is one of the most underrated movies of 2004. At first I was hesitant of seeing it (I thought it was a "chick flick"), but I was totally wrong. Closer approaches love, sex, and relationships in a brutal and truthful manner. Many may argue that it isn't realistic, but it is one of the few films that is frank about the topics. I think that the negativity has been revolved around the fact that the movie is and honest portrayal of people. No matter all the pain someone may cause they won't and can't admit that they're a bad person. One of the things that brings this movie to life are its performances.
The movie is about two couples in London that by destiny get together. Alice (Natalie Portman) is run over by a car. Dan (Jude Law) goes and helps her out by getting her to the hospital. There the flirtation starts. Dan writes a book about Alice's life, so he goes to get a picture taken by a photographer named Anna (Julia Roberts). Dan and Anna flirt with each other and end up kissing and having a child-like crush on each other. After that, Dan goes to a chat room to "have a little fun". While doing this he meets Larry (Clive Owen) and plays a joke on him (he sends him to The London Aquarium)in which he meets the real Anna. There the movie starts to unfold.
Natalie Portman gives one of her best performances in her career. Being the youngest nobody really expected her to live up to the role of Alice. Nevertheless, she and Clive Owen stole the show. She does an amazing job of playing a provocative, cheeky, yet innocent stripper. Thanks to this film she proved that she can give a mesmerizing performance. Her portrayal of the needy Alice and the cold-hearted Jane was superb.
Julia Roberts gives a good performance as a depressed Anna. She wasn't bad, yet she wasn't mind-blowing. Most of the audience would have frankly, preferred Cate Blanchett to play her. However, I think that she could've definitely given a better performance.
Clive Owen......... all I can say is WOW. I had seen him in Croupier and King Arthur prior to seeing Closer. I dare to say that his best performance is in Closer. He blew me away...... his brutal portrayal of a cold-hearted Larry a.k.a "The Caveman" was exceptional! Not only his delivery of lines, but all of his body language was perfect. He deserved to win the Oscar, but maybe he'll win it in a near future.
Jude Law gave a brilliant performance of Dan. He made him sensible and vulnerable. Yet, he made us sympathize with him even though we couldn't agree with his selfish actions. Yet, none of the characters were "good" or "bad" since they weren't likable.
In summary, Closer is a brutal and truthful masterpiece about love and people. Mike Nichols directing was superb as so was the script. I would've loved to see the play, but unfortunately it isn't possible. However, the film isn't suited for all audiences (I doubt an 8 year old would understand its message) but many people should somehow relate with the movie's honesty and its new approach to passion, affairs, and love.