A small film about love and betrayal. Mostly betrayal.

Rating: 8/10 (9 April 2006)

A small film about love and betrayal. Mostly betrayal. It is obviously made from a play, with four main characters, any two of which are on-screen at all times. The plot is pretty good, albeit with its fair share of contrivances and coincidences. But, if not for these things, what would there be to make movies about? The four main actors were all excellent, though none are very likable. Jude Law pays his role as weaselly and pathetic. Clive Owens' character is macho, controlling, and conniving. Julia Roberts is, as always, oddly beautiful, although she looks a bit older now. This may have been a deliberate decision, to better contrast her with Natalie Portman's character. Miss Portman, when it is called for, is achingly beautiful. When she bestows on us a wide smile, I thought my TV would melt. I don't believe I've seen her in anything before. (Not being a Star Wars geek) (OK, I've just looked at her page, and it seems she played the little girl in "The Professional". She was quite good, but I did not recognize her twelve years later.) The real star, however, was the script. They all have such wonderfully clever dialog. I would say check it out.