Unlikeable characters in a movie you will love

Rating: 8/10 (2 December 2004)

This movie is about four of the coldest, cruelest people who will ever meet, trying to experience the joys of love and intimacy. It is set into several scenes showing major changes in the character's relationships. The "in-between" parts are never shown. There is little in the way of action and much in the way of dialog. Its origins as a play are very evident. There is hardly anyone else of significance in the movie except these four characters. The writing and acting are engrossing. You will come out of the theater wanting to talk to someone about love, betrayal and relationships. Natalie Portman has grown to be quite and actress. Julia Roberts shows herself here to be capable of more than a pretty smile and lighthearted comedies. Jude Law is very attractive and you can see what these women see in him. Clive Owen is the real standout in the cast. His tormented, somewhat-less-attractive man is so desperate for love and affirmation, it practically bleeds through the screen. These characters fall in and out of love and lust, never really connecting.