Great Art But Hard on the Heart

Rating: 7/10 (6 January 2005)

Closer to me was a very well done film. The acting was excellent (epsecially Owen and Portman), the writing was top notch and the understated cinematography fit the story perfectly. As well done as the film was however, because of its dark content and the lack of a likable character, I have to say I did not really enjoy the movie. I highly respect it as art and would score it very high for quality. But if one is looking for a "pick me up" do not see Closer. In its complex content surrounding almost exclusively the sexual aspects of relationships, the film pulls few punches. Owen comments in the movie, "the heart looks like a fist with blood on it." That is how I felt after leaving the theater, a person departing with a wounded heart.