Great Study of Relationships and Truth

Rating: 10/10 (22 August 2005)

I saw Closer in a theater with my girlfriend. We did not know what to expect. Within five minutes, I realized this was a mistake. Not because the film was bad, but because the film reveals a great truth about trust within relationships. As soon as my girlfriend and I made it past the exit doors of the cinema, I could systematically count down her next words: 5...4...3...2...1 "Have you ever cheated on me?" Mike Nichols and Patrick Marber show you the selfishness of love...and for some it can be a hard pill to swallow. Most critics of the film state that they do not relate to the story or these anti-hero characters. I would argue that selfishness and deceit are part of this culture and that we are finally beginning to admit it. Other works have dealt with the subject recently (Sideways, Television Commercials that portray infidelity, Eyes Wide Shut) and it is the hardest emotion to battle: The thought of the person you love being emotionally and physically attached to someone else. The four main characters do not have to justify their actions since their deceit is not rational. We do not learn why Dan leaves Ruth for Alice nor do we learn why Larry and Anna reconcile. Why not? Think about previous relationships and the others around you. Have they based their relationship decisions on one single act (such as other Hollywood films would argue) ? No, reasons for our actions are selfish, awkward, spontaneous and/or sometimes, repressed. Closer is a true study of 'civilization' and its collective unconscious.
Besides the deep subject matter lies the no-nonsense approach of Patrick Marber's writing. The audience is spared the simpleness of subtitles stating the progress of time. In fact, Nichols and Marber seem to purposely let the story progress without interruptions. The end result is a raw display of emotions and a quick-witted situation for all four characters. Subject matter and form collide as the characters are drawn together within the same circle of deceit and self-interest.
Clive Owen and Natalie Portman give performances of a lifetime and Nichols gives everyone another reason to love him as a great Director. The soundtrack also provides a great emotion for the film that flows through you like a dream and a nightmare simultaneously.