It's Hard To Make Up One's Mind.

Let's take a break from all this Oscar milarky. (Mainly because because I have no way to watch Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close yet.) Instead, let's talk about a movie that I had to watch for my university course. I thought since I watched it, I may as well review it. The film we look at today is Closer.

The plot is both simple and complex at the same time. On the surface it is just a your average love triangle situation, or rather, love square. Obituary writer, Dan (Jude Law), meets American stripper, Alice (Natalie Portman) when she is hit by a taxi. After taking her to hospital and then for a quick tour of London, they fall for one another. As Dan tries to move up in the writing world with a book about Alice, he begins to fall for his photographer, Anna, (Juliea Roberts). When rejected by her, he turns to the internet and impersonates her on a chat room to Larry (Clive Owen). After some very explicit suggestions, he convinces Larry to meet 'Anna' at an aquarium. Larry goes and meets the real Anna in the world's most awkward first meeting ever. Despite this initial meeting, they fall for one another and claim Dan is their personal Cupid. But Dan's feelings for Anna are still there and as time passes, our four protagonists cross paths over and over again. Will they all contain their feelings or will they succumb to their desires.

Must... Resist... Fart joke... 

This movie contains one of my favourite actresses (as you probably know), Natalie Portman. She is probably the best performer in this move too. Plus she looks so hot throughout the whole film. That being said, I preferred her fully clothed with short red hair or long brown hair at the beginning and end respectively. But let's look at her acting. A wonderful portrayal of the most dedicated and loving character in the film. You can physically see her fall in love as well as see her heart break. Jude Law and Clive Owen are also fantastic (though you will find yourself arguing with friends over who is more attractive. The answer, of course, is Clive Owen). There is a slight competition between the two of them. It seems, at points, friendly, whilst at other times it seems like a true rivalry with malicious intent. Both do extremely well as egotistical men who can't stand someone being superior to them. To me, the only weak link was Julia Roberts but that might be because she was the most plain character. Though it is far easier to pick a weak link when there's only four primary cast members. That being said, the stand off between Anna and Larry is one of the highlights of the film.

The impossible shot of London. There's one too many monuments. 

My favourite thing about the entire movie, without a shadow of a doubt, is the script. It is very clear that this is a play text rather than an original screenplay. There's something very... Stagey about the dialogue. But it is extremely witty and quick but also heartfelt and dramatic. The arguments that erupt every few scenes are brilliantly written and you really get a sense of what is being felt. It is simply a great script, right down to the conversation in the chat room which perfectly strikes the idea of early internet slang as well as dirty talk; the early Chat Roulette or Omegle. Apart from this, no technical elements were particularly outstanding. In fact, the editing got confusing at points as the plot skips large periods of time and it's very difficult to realise until a character mentions this.

Overall, it is an intriguing movie full of lust and love. It's story line twists and turns more times than you can shake a stick at. It's dialogue is punchy, witty, and beautiful. Some great acting and a cast that is too good looking for its own good. Admittedly, not Mike Nichols best film, but also not his worst. And for those wondering about the title of this blog post, you'll have to watch the movie. Very brutal. Very funny. Very sexual.

Best bit? It'd be too easy to claim Natalie Portman's strip scene... I want to go with.. Dan and Larry's encounter towards the end of the film in Larry's office. Some of the best dialogue in the movie.