Real love?

Rating: 9/10 (19 February 2005)

Closer is possibly the most accurate and realistic depiction of modern love. The notion and true value of love in today's context is lost among a sea of infidelity, deception, lust, betrayal, jealously, cynicism, technology and vindication.
Despite being set in slightly surreal environments such as a photo exhibition and strip clubs, the writers and actors have successfully conveyed the emotions that run through typically dysfunctional relationships. In the end, the people involved in the web are either very certain of their own feelings finally or are so overwhelmed with rage that they become vindictive. The movie also explores the line between truth and lie; the difference each makes to a relationship and the consequence one has to bear for his/her actions.
Julia Roberts hasn't got much for her role to begin with, but she shows a certain delicateness, straddling between guilt and liberty with her role that makes a performance that is sufficiently pleasurable. Natalie Portman is stunning with middling traces of girlish vulnerability and womanly salacity. Jude Law packs both a cold yet emotive performance as a cheating boyfriend and later a desperate man stuck nowhere in both relationships. A performance good enough to warrant for an Oscar nod (but none sadly). The most powerful performance must come from Clive Owen who starred in the original play. He's the one who's drawn into a destructive relationship with Roberts and turns sinister when trying to win her back through a series of confrontations and psychological manoeuvers. All in all, a stellar cast and choice performances. (PS: Do check out the cybersex chat between Owen and Law) So, is love lost really lost? Is the sudden change of hearts actually beyond one's reasonable control? Find out in Closer, then again you might never actually.