Closer is a very entertaining disection of human relationships. Dan (Law) is a frustrated writer who meets Alice, a young stripper from New York (Portman) when she is hit by a taxi on her first day in London. A year later, Dan is about to release a book based on Alice’s life, when he becomes infatuated with a photographer, Anna (Roberts). Anna resists Dan’s charms due to his relationship but the pair are caught out by Alice and mistrust becomes the governing emotion of their relationships. Larry (Owen), a Doctor, is drawn into their web when over the internet he is set up by Dan who is posing as Anna (a hilarious scene revealing what a prick Dan is). The lonely Anna takes to Larry and the four are permanently connected.

Closer is an unique drama. It explores the uglier sides of human relationships as the characters drown in their own mistrust caused by their own actions. Rarely is dialogue on screen delivered with such juicy spite and venom. Not for the pruidish, the emotion is so raw that you almost feel you should stop watching to allow the characters some privacy to deal with their issues.

I highly recommend this as a new release hire or straight out purchase as repeated viewings are essential.

THE EXTRAS

Very disappointing, I would love to have had a director and writer commentary here. Also there are a few much talked about deleted scenes which are also not present. A look at the play that the film is based upon would have also been interesting. So much potential wasted - perhaps a special edition is in the wings.

Music video

trailers for other Sony movies.

CONCLUSION

Acclaimed director Mike Nichols brings Patrick Marber’s highly regarded play to the big screen (and to our smaller screens). Closer is a raw and edgy tale of relationships, trust and betrayal. With juicy dialogue and career best performances, this beautifully spiteful tale delivers an almost uncomfortable punch.