One of the most relevant films of 2004

Rating: Null/10 (21 January 2005)

Closer is brilliant because it challenges people to question the current state of love and fidelity in the world.
Many people will be shocked and perhaps disgusted at how liberal this film is but Nichol's "open dialogue" has been one of his best qualities for many years, in my opinion. He could have very easily resorted to Natalie Portman ultimately using solely her physical appearance to seduce Clive Owen's Larry and the audience but instead, she is granted dialogue, which captures her character, Owen's character and the key interplay between the two perfectly. In fact, the scene in the night-club may be the most skilfully realised scene of the entire film. It is a very "sordid" scene in comparison to the majority of the others in the film. Nichols could have used her "stripper career" as a backdrop for the study of the futility or supposed futility of relationships and true love but instead he stages most of the film in apartments, allowing the actors to act, which they do so superbly.
Yes, I am an huge Portman fan but all four actors were great. Still, I believe that her and Owen upstaged Law and Roberts and were very deserving of their Golden Globes. Also, note that Owen had starred in a stage version of the film prior to doing the film, thus he was able really to understand his character and Jude Law's (Dan), seeing that he was Dan in the stage production. The nuances of his portrayal in this film are exceptional as are Portman's, Law's and Roberts'. The use of a camera (Roberts' character is a photographer) is also a clever move by Nichols/ the scriptwriter as he "captures" each character but only for a second with each shot, much like how long "true love" lasts when it does in the film but, at least that's my interpretation of this theme of the film.
The cinematography is excellent; often decadent in order to portray how love or at least security through love is a drug or aspiration for the characters; another one of my interpretations.
The script is not faultless. It does drag in places but the characters keep the viewer interested. Also, the ending may leave a sick taste in your mouth, depending on who your favourite characters are. That Damien Rice track is beautiful and haunting like much of his music.
As I have said, the direction of Nichols is masterful , as always, but, for me, Owen and Portman make this film-Expect them to take two Oscars later this year. Yes, the film is perhaps not totally clear in its answers but it does force the viewers to assess their positions on real love.
Lastly, make a point of seeing Owen in "Greenfingers," a cute Brit film about gardening criminals and the "Hire" BMW commercials, where his intelligence as an actor shines through in the company of some of the best action directors of recent years. Oh, and don't forget "V for Vendetta" with Miss Portman. It has to be a winner. She's really going from strength to strength.
My rating for "Closer": 9/10