Strong story of vulnerable Characters

Rating: 8/10 (27 March 2005)

CLOSER is a strong story of 'weak' characters, an honest tale of dishonesty, a fiction of 'almost-real' characters. Sounds paradoxical but its a fact. Movie revolves around four characters Dan - A writer/journalist (Jude Law), Anna - A photographer divorceé (Julia Roberts), Larry - A dermatologists (Cliver Owen) and Alice - A Stripper (Natalie Portman). The movie is all about passions, love, lust, sex, obsession, infidelity and life. Well, it seems that you wonder whether this is a Mike Nicholas-movie or Zalaman King-movie? Well, don't worry. This is an absolutely beautiful movie of soft human emotions and their vulnerability.
The movie is an example of directorial excellence. It is well-paced, well-written and brilliantly-executed. There are only four characters and surprisingly all four have equal space to grow and get noticed. The script (Patrick Marber) is the strongest aspect of the movie. Probably because it is based on a play by the same writer. The movie proceeds in a fast but enjoyable rhythm. The movie sets an example for all youngsters who aspire to take up movie direction as their passion of life. ( For example, Jude Law is seen crying with same facial expressions and intensity in Alfie also, but his tears look much more convincing in this movie).
So far as performances are concerned, Jude Law and Julia Roberts are wonderful. Especially Julia Roberts has done an excellent underplayed character, which only an actress of her maturity can do. However, their lesser known counterparts, Owen and Portman, walk away with louder applause. Owen is simply superb as a simple but overreacting and obsessed husband. Natalie Portman portrays her difficult character with an astonishing ease. She has all it would take to dominate the silver screen for the next decade.
The movie reaches near perfection, in terms of performances, stories and dialogues. However, it depends heavily on dialogues (probably because it is based on a play). Hence, it involves the viewer mentally in the process of development of the storyline. The characters and story are so dangerously close to reality that it is difficult not to get provoked and engulfed in thoughts. So, if you are a university student, and want to watch it with a view to getting some relaxation after exams, don't watch closer. For that we have 'Hitch'........