A Dirty Feeling

Rating: 8/10 (16 April 2005)

"Closer" is quite a powerful movie. But I couldn't help but walk out of the movie theater feeling sick to my stomach.
Without knowing Nicols' intent, I can only assume that the movie was titled out of irony. As the movie goes on, these 4 characters become more and more alienated and self absorbed; ultimately as a means of emotional self-preservation.
But rather than dissect the entire movie, I would prefer to focus on a very captivating sequence between Clive Owens' and Julia Roberts' characters. Roberts reveals that she has recently fallen back into the arms of Jude Law's character, although she and Owens are living together. The banter that ensues is graphic to the point of being disgusting. But there is an undeniable link to an internet "dirty chat" between Owens and Law from earlier in the movie. In one setting, this dirty talk was considered provocative, yet an hour later in the movie similar words and phrases were downright degrading.
Many facets of adult relationships are examined in "Closer". Nichols does a masterful job of showing the duality of sexuality and emotional closeness.