Somewhat contrived

Rating: 5/10 (14 February 2005)

I went to the cinema looking to witness a searing indictment of modern relationships. However, there were too many unbelievable moments to make this film any more than a stylish accessory. 3/4 times in the film, someone did/said something that would never happen in real life. These moments jarred and in so doing they ruined the credibility of the whole film. The name of the Natalie Portman character? Clive Owen's first conversation with the Natalie Portman character? Natalie's last action in the film? I'm a fan of Patrick Marber but I felt that events were thrown in just because they looked clever. The overall effect was that this was a contrived film. There's no life lessons in this film. 5 points for the soundtrack, pithy conversations, shots of London, good use of rain and wholly essential lap dancing content.