CLOSER is THE Perfect Film, marrying a brilliant, astute screenplay about thirty something's romantic mind-games from the perspective of a fly on the wall with taut cinematography and editing. The character's point of view is shot in almost unbearably intimate soft focus creating a paradoxical distance necessarily resulting from the close proximity of the four main characters to each other and the camera. Incomparable director, Mike Nichols, allows the audience to bring its experience to the unfolding events. Through tricky time passages and surreal close-ups, the viewer observes a subtle realization that there is no cruelty as exquisite as the mercilessness lovers inflict on each other, separating and then coming back together in a dance they are helpless to avert. The film's shocking sequences come not so much from explicit sex scenes but from the intricate, sexual banter, manipulation and head-trips in which the characters engage. At first seemingly in control of their actions, time interferes with choices, compelling events to take on a life their own. As duplicity and betrayal is layered with ironic importance, the characters begin to confuse confession with honor and one is reminded of "Dangerous Liaisons" that taught when the game becomes 'The Thing', real life is reduced to a dull, almost banal existence, leaving no possible outcome except utter devastation for the participants.In the end, the game must play out to the logical finish, casualties and unanswered questions littering the landscape like so many puppets in repose. Extremely vulnerable in CLOSER, Julia Robert's larger than life features are made for the big screen that can accommodate them effectively, conveying her confusion and indecision with no more than a raised eyebrow or quixotic look. Jude Law communicates the metro male currently in vogue with the conviction of a modern day anti-hero who is slightly more feminine than his female conquests. Clive Owen, as Larry, brings just the right tone to a working class Englishman who had put his personal life on hold while becoming a successful dermatologist. But it is Natalie Portman who steals the show in another riveting performance…incandescently lighting up the screen, defining and capturing her generation with a mere look from her china doll face.
You simply "Can't take your eyes off of her".
11-30-2004, 03:35 AM
