At last an intelligent Adult / Comedy / Drama

Rating: 8/10 (31 January 2005)

This film is about adult relationships. I keep hearing people complain about the language in this movie. But at the end of the day isn't it how we speak in everyday life? Well it is where I live in the UK.I don't want to give the plot away to much. So this review is more about the performances. Let me start with Natalie Portman, I remember seeing her debut in Leon (The Professional) which just blow me away. You could tell she would be one to watch. But after seeing some of her other movies over the last couple of years, I was beginning to think this is just eye candy! But last month I saw her performance in the excellent "Garden State", and now in "Closer" which has in my opinion cemented her reputation as one of the best young actresses working today. (Along with Scarlett Johansson, Hilary Swank and Catalina Sandino Moreno). Jude Law is as likable and watch able as ever, and plays the part of man in love with two women equally as much, but must choose one over the other. Julie Roberts, now I admit I have never been fond of her. I don't rate her as an actress, and she has yet to prove her worth. But in this she plays against type and is similarly impressive as the rest of the cast. Finally, Clive Owen after the lackluster and disappointing King Arthur (American's Fuc*ing up a legend yet again!) I've only seen his performance in one other film, "I'll Sleep When I'm dead" in which he had his moments, but was just very... well.. mediocre to be honest. But in this film he shines and steals the show. If he doesn't win an Oscar (along with Martin Scorsese for the "Aviator") for his performance come February, then the awards truly are rigged and the academy should be ashamed of themselves. One other thing I should mention is the soundtrack to this film in one word AWESOME. The opening and closing slow-motion shots of Natalie Portmans character "Alice" walking on busy city streets accompanied by Damian Rice's "The Blowers Daughter" was simply breathtakingly beautiful. While this film is not for everyone, I hope it finds the audience that it truly deserves. A real surprise this one and NO guys this is not a chick flick, go watch and see for yourself.