I always feel better about myself after watching a movie like “Closer” because the characters are so messed up that they make me look angelic. Rife with graphic sexual dialogue and nudity, the film isn’t for everyone, but it’s a well-done and raw film that strips mankind down to its basest instincts and lays its feelings bare for all to see. I liked it for its honesty and powerful dialogue. I would even watch it again, but, like “Sin City,” it left me feeling a little dirty after the credits rolled.
Clive Owen is as masterful as ever, and Natalie Portman does very well also. Jude Law is so good at being detestable, and he’s very detestable in this film. Julia Roberts said in an interview that she hated her character in this movie because she’s so disgusting, and she is. Damien Rice has two songs in the movie (“The Blower’s Daughter” & “Cold Water”) which adds a lot of depth and meaning to the movie because the characters, for all their selfishness, still cannot take their eyes off of each other. This has disastrous results for some but delivers hope to others. Ultimately, it’s about forgiveness and being able to see past the filth to see the person you love and stick with them through their follies.