Movie #35 -- Closer

Title: Closer

Director: Mike Nichols

Release Year: 2004

Plot Summary: 4 ridiculously good-looking people struggle with relationships, sex, love, hate, and a myriad of other things in the greater London area... think if 'Love Actually' had an evil stepsister and you get the idea.

Thoughts: This film is highlighted by a superb cast (Jude Law, Julia Roberts and Best Supporting Actor and Actress Nominees Clive Owen and Natalie Portman, respectively) and the excellent direction of Mike Nichols (The Graduate, Regarding Henry, The Birdcage, etc...). It deals with, more or less, the downright wrong side of love in London.

'Closer' is based on Patrick Marber's play of the same name and I can see how this worked quite well on the stage. On the screen, it translates fairly well -- certainly not the best screen adaptation of a play, but quite respectable nonetheless.

A very character-driven piece to say the least. It leaves the viewer angry, sad, a bit confused, and hating each of the four main characters. Each and everyone of them is dispicable, to say the very least. But, flying in the face of all of that, at the end of the ride (and an emotional rollercoaster it is) one can easily feel just as angry at their own failed or successful relationships.

Rating (0-10): 7.5

Recomendations: I'd recommend this to folks who want to learn what NOT to do in their love life. Worth renting for sure. Only Buy it if you are interested in having a kick-ass movie collection. Certainly not essential, but worth the effort. Do not see with a date.