Closer

From the beginning of the film, you are thrown right into the drama, and it doesn't end until the credits roll. Closer is the story of betrayal and heartbreak that you just can't help but let yourself get wound right into the dramatics of it all. This ensemble cast is dynamic and raw. Their emotions bleed through to the audience.

The film takes us through several years of four characters lives, through breakups and makeups. The story line is familiar, which is love and betrayal, but director Mike Nichols takes it a step further. This is not the average boy-meets-girl-and-they-fall-in-love type of movie. It is raw. Closer shows what the mind and heart will do to be in love.

The characters portrayed in the film are real. Their emotional scars are plastered all over the screen. Each word gives us more insight to the character and a yearning to know more. Although it is not categorized as a thriller, it will keep you on the edge of your seat.

There is something for everyone in this film. There are beautiful men and women. There is humor and drama. And let's not forget, this film is very sexy.

The pure brutal honesty evoked in all of these characters has rarely been seen before, and this cast does it perfectly. Julia Roberts as Anna doesn't need to say a word throughout the movie because her eyes and expressions say everything the audience needs to know. Jude Law plays Dan, a character you're not sure if you want to win or lose. He is vulnerable, forgiving, loving and deceitful.

However, the best performances come from Clive Owen and Natalie Portman. Owen plays Larry. Larry is sarcastic but loveable and his magnetic and strong. Portman shows true leading lady power. Her role as Alice was revealing, in more ways than one, but it was also sincere. Both of these actors were enthralling.

This is the must-see movie of the year. It is very captivating and indisputably truthful to who we are as humans. It is Nichols, best work.



ExtrasDVD Extras are pretty slim as they really are the usual commentary and the music video "The Blower's Daughter" by Damien Rice which is simply brilliant. That said, this is a DVD to buy for the storyline and the conversation afterwards.

Released on DVD: March 29th