This film dazzled me...

Rating: 10/10 (14 January 2005)

I have to say, i'm an avid follower of film, and not for a long time have I seen a feature that has made me consider so much about everything I think I know about people. This film really reminded me of the fact that there are people out there who act selfishly and despicably, and it kinda made me feel uncomfortable. Good! This kind of thought provoking film really fills me with excitement. they really don't make many films like this anymore (if they ever did).
Bravo to the director, writer, and cast. Natalie Portman in particular acted to a degree i suspected she was capable of but never thought I might see. Truly standout, if she doesn't get an Oscar for this role i'll be severely disappointed. The emotion and edge she gave to her character in "Garden State", amongst other films, showed us her talent, but "Closer", in my humble opinion, showed her's to be a rare and exciting thing. I am really looking forwards to seeing her continue to this standard in the future.
Portman's skills do not detract or overshadow the rest of the cast in any way. Law is as excellent as we have come to expect, taking a truly despicable character who reminds us all a little bit uncomfortably of ourselves (or was it just me?), and leaving us feeling pity for him all the same. He takes a complete bastard and still gives him an emotional side that we can empathise with. Here is a man that has selfishly tried to have it all and has instead lost everything. He is what we have the capacity to be and indeed sometimes are. He is without emotional restraint, a slave to his ever-changing emotions. He truly is a fool in love, or a loving fool...
Owen is so much better than I thought he would be. Ashamedly I can only use his work in "King Arthur" as a basis for comparison (if I have seen him in something else I can't remember it). That particular "movie" was a huge disappointment to me ad Owen didn't do much to further its case. However, a ridiculous script may be more to blame for that particular fiasco than he. However, i freely admit I was most definitely wrong about this actor. His performance in "Closer" is a powerhouse of bare emotion and realism which left me heartened that good old Brittannia can still produce actors of this quality. I look forwards with huge enthusiasm to his next offering.
It says something about this film that Julia Robert's performance was the worst thing I can pin on it. Her turn, whilst not incredible, is very good. It is definitely what we have come to expect from an actress of her caliber. She acquits herself admirably, showing qualities that are considerably varied from her usual hard-ass or rom-com roles... She doesn't disappoint with a role that simultaneously delivers tones of gritty realism and emotional pain.
"Closer" definitely rates as the best film I have seen from 2004. Outstanding concept, writing, direction and some hugely impressive acting turns from the entire cast will hopefully propel this film to the commercial and critical success that it merits. I urge those who haven't yet seen it to go directly to their nearest cinema and buy a ticket. To those who disliked it or don't understand it, I respect your opinions, but I hope if you give it a second chance that you'll see the genius I see.
10/10. The best film I have seen in a long, long time. Thought-provoking, realistic and just thoroughly enjoyable. Bravo!