"Closer" DVD Review

Pros

• Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, and Clive Owen all give fine performances

Cons

• Movie's major characters are unlikable

Description

• DVD containing talky drama "Closer" (2004) directed by Mike Nichols
• Nominated for two Oscars, including Best Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress
• Directed by Mike Nichols ("The Graduate," "Carnal Knowledge")
• Movie stars ensemble cast: Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, and Clive Owen
• DVD has music video: Damien Rice's "The Blower's Daughter" (4 min. 54 sec.)
• DVD contains theatrical trailer

Guide Review - "Closer" DVD Review

Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, and Clive Owen all give fine performances in "Closer" (2004), a talky drama directed by Mike Nichols. The screenwriter was Patrick Marber, who adapted his own stage play.

I would describe "Closer" as a hard-edged look at the relationships between men and women. Perhaps quoting a line of dialogue will give you some idea of what to expect: "Have you ever seen a human heart? It looks like a fist wrapped in blood!"

"Closer" is set in contemporary London and spans a period of four years. There are time gaps in the narrative during which important things happen, and you have to pay attention to what the actors say to understand the characters' changed circumstances. The style of the movie seems to me to be mannered and theatrical.

I personally think all four of the movie's major characters are unlikable. Also, many aspects of the film are rather unpleasant, and it left me with a bitter aftertaste. Nevertheless, I found the movie well worth watching. Except for Damien Rice's music video "The Blower's Daughter," the DVD provides no bonus materials of any consequence. But the DVD is worth renting on the strength of the feature film alone.