It's not supposed to be entertaining!

Rating: 8/10 (16 January 2005)

I expect this film will be more appreciated in England than in US. I live in London and saw it last night, 20 hours ago. Didn't know if I liked it or not. But....can't stop thinking about it. So many layers, so many themes (as in American Beauty) but 'Closer is much cleverer. No emotion, deliberately. It's an intellectual piece about the human condition. It's a play. You don't go to see Closer to just enjoy a 'movie.' I actively avoid anything with Julia Roberts in cos it'll be bland sugary crap. Having her in this is to entice a few more people in. Must be lots who hate it/walk out. Quite funny really!! Everything in the film is 'meant. Very manufactured. Even the jobs they do are to suit the play's themes:-Obituarist who makes up euphemisms. Photographer who 'steals peoples's lives.' Dermatoligist who presumably thinks things are only 'skin deep.' Stripper...... Basically if you're not the type of person who thinks deeply about things then you won't like this film. My sister likes things like 'Stepmom.!!!!' I despair.