Rough and bleak look at modern romance

Rating: 8/10 (20 October 2008)

Closer is my kind of movie: smartly written, expertly acted, and riveting to watch even though not a single hint of action occurs.
Based off a stage play, the story revolves around two couples and the interactions between them. It all starts out fairly simple, with British Dan meeting American Alice in a park and causing American Anna and Larry the doctor to meet as well. They seem like cute and normal couples, but it doesn't take long for things to unravel. By the halfway point one character essentially hops to another bed and the remainder of the film starts it slow spiral into darkness. By the time the credits roll only one relationship is left standing, and even that is revealed to be one-sided and eventually doomed to fail. This journey is realized through some extremely sharp and frequently very profane language that bears more than a passing resemblance to David Mamet(don't believe the Parent's Guide if it mentions only 'mild profanity').
The acting is very well done, with Jude Law inhabiting his character with conviction. Natalie Portman finally proves that she can act, although she doesn't appear fully willing to 'inhabit' the role of a stripper (rumor has it she did film topless scenes, but they are not in the final cut so for all intents do not exist). Even Julia Roberts, the epitome of Hollywood celebrity, manages to be quite good. The real leader of this pack though is Clive Owen. His Larry is the only one that really shifts during the movie, and by the end of the film the good natured family doctor is revealed to be the most vicious and misanthropic of all the characters. His final confrontation with Dan is a perfect scene of ruthless verbal attacks, barely contained rage, and a final blow that proves he is in charge and will "win" at all costs.
Needless to say this is not a good date movie, and is something best viewed by yourself and followed by a cold shower. Spending almost 2 hours with these self centered and self destructive people will dim your view of love and humanity, but it's a ride worth taking.