Bare Relationships In The City

Rating: Null/10 (16 October 2010)

Mike Nichols directs a modern day complex chambre piece that follows a series of adult themed conversation involving four key characters. Themes such as sex, fidelity, desire, envy, ego, loneliness, and intimacy are explored through dark layers. 'Closer' initially gives the impression of being a silly romantic comedy but even then, if one looks carefully, there's a hint of negativity in the tense atmosphere, a darkness in the two characters. The layers are peeled as the story unfolds and relationships between the four protagonists are starkly exposed. The steady camera-work brings space to the tension filled sequences. The score is subtle and suitably underused. The lighting too is very effective. Clive Owen does a fine job as the sleazy, desperate yet intriguingly messed up doctor. Julia Roberts delivers a wonderfully understated and underrated performance. Restrained performances are often overlooked in movies where the other actors perform more dramatically or vocally and perhaps this is why Roberts did not get the deserved recognition. Natalie Portman is impressive in a complex role. It is almost as good as her career-best (which was in 'Garden State'). Jude Law makes the best of his role even though he is overshadowed by everyone else most of the time. With the backing up of strong performances and fine execution, 'Closer' additionally succeeds in its stark portrayal, exposing the relationship through dialogue without any inhibition. It's as if the conversations have been stripped off their clothes, as though an eavesdropper is listening on a very private conversation. 'Closer' is about modern dysfunctional relationships and Nichols succeeds in making his point by 'baring it all' through interaction.