Almost Fantastic

Rating: 8/10 (4 December 2004)

Closer was a movie that had a screenplay designed for novels and plays, but never have I seen such bold discussion on the silver screen. All four characters have their goods and bads (mostly bads), so there is no hero and there is no villain. Everybody is just out to screw everybody else-literally and figuratively. Nichols cleverly decided that the movie would be strictly dialog and although sex is mentioned in virtually every scene, not once do we get to see the act itself putting all of the weight on the wonderful text. all four members of the cast did fantastic jobs, but Clive Owen is the one that breaks through here and puts himself on the best supporting actor market. the film did have its flaws. sometimes it got too deep, and there were moments where the dialog was forced, but these moments are quickly forgotten with the next scene. you have to go into this movie with the expectation that love becomes the awful four-letter word and sex is its tool or its vice. Don't recommend this movie on a first date. Don't bring the kids to this one. Many adults can't even handle this movie.