Powerful film,, unlikeable characters but true to heart

Rating: 8/10 (19 June 2005)

Mike Nichols has done it again.He has created an emotional, unpredictable and heart-numbing portrayal of 4 people; two of whom decide to be with someone else. The film is filled with very sexual and adult-oriented dialogue. This is not a film for Mom and Pops . I thought Jude Law and Clive Owen were great, and Natalie Portman certainly followed suit. I was a little surprised to see her playing a stripper since she really didn't look like one- a retail worker or another profession of some sort would of been more believable. However, I thought Julia Roberts was horribly miscast for the role of Anna. She did not have the sex appeal nor image the role required. I tend to be a little prejudiced towards Ms. Roberts since I rarely see her in a role that fits her; this role would of been better filled by Naomi Watts or a "real" blonde with sex appeal. I don't understand why two American actresses were casted rather than two British actresses since the film takes place in London. I just thought characters would of been better pieced together had they all been British. Handsome Clive Owen has made his mark after this role and I hope to see more good work from him in the future.