Finally a mature script for a mature audience

Rating: Null/10 (24 February 2005)

My first Mike Nichols experience and what a relief and pleasure to see a screenplay written for adults. Like the froth on a good latte, this was a joy to behold. But although the coffee may be good, it's not necessarily sweet  unless of course you add your own sugar.
Centred around the intertwining of two couples, this is about love, deception, honesty, the nature of feelings and the illogical human trait of desiring that which is forbidden. While one half of each relationship knows exactly what they want, their other halves can't decide whether they want them or each other. It confirms that sometimes we just don't know what we want, but whatever happens is good for us somehow.
Closer occasionally treads the fine line between relateability and the seemingly absurd, but how often this happens depends on your own life experience. However, despite the few instances I couldn't personally relate to, the film had me convinced of the integrity of the script to the extraordinary point of putting my faith in the writer that it was real  something I've never consciously done before. Generally, if I don't understand something I'll either accept it as fantasy or dismiss it as ludicrous. But the film managed to win my trust, despite myself.
All performances were convincing and I'm thrilled the four main players took on roles we're not used to seeing them in; namely flawed but deeply human characters. It was great to see Clive Owen in a role that allowed him some decent expression.
Closer is definitely an adult drama that not all will relate to, but for those who aren't afraid of a dose of reality, this is a rich and rewarding experience.