Love Hurts

Rating: Null/10 (15 December 2004)

CLOSER (2004) *** Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Clive Owen, Natalie Portman. Well acted character study about four dysfunctional people intertwined over an in determinant time period where coupling, sexual proclivities and good old fashioned mindfucking congeal in an absorbing yet exhausting look at just how predatory humans can be and how love has no business with sex. Director Mike Nichols weaves a finely stitched tapestry of emotional wrenching with a strongly acted chamber piece by his quartet of thespians each displaying nuanced, finely tuned shadings to their duplicitous and at times shockingly indifferent attitudes particularly Owen and Portman, the latter in arguably her finest 'adult' turn yet.
Adapted for the screen by Patrick Marber based on his acclaimed British play the film only suffers in its unyielding angst and anomie in its sophisticated trappings. Otherwise a unique study of what makes our libidos tick and our hearts desire.