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The movie: Closer

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izanami
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Joined: Jan 27, 2004
Posts: 1037

Posted: Mar 26, 2005 - 11:50 AM
Post subject: The movie: Closer

Has anyone seen it? I decided to stay in yesterday night and saw the movie in bed.

I really like it because it's so honest. I must say that my impression of Natalie Portman as an actress has improved dramatically after this movie. I have always thought she was one of those actresses whose off-screen personality overwhelmed her on-screen role. She's done very well in this role.

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Nick-la
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Joined: July 19, 2003
Posts: 3675
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Posted: Mar 26, 2005 - 11:53 AM

I will watch it soon. I watched the frst 5 minutes and they bored me to tears so I gave up, but will persevere.

The opening song goes on for about 10 hours and the opening scene couldn't be duller, more contrived, or more cheesily directed, but as I haveheard it is good I'll give it another go.

They made the huge mistake of doing it 'all cockney' - ie everyone is cartoon English, and the script can only work overseas.

In fact, by the ifrst 5-10 minutes I must say I thoroughly detest every aspect of this film.

I shall come back when I have seen it all.

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Magnolia
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Joined: June 01, 2004
Posts: 31091

Posted: Mar 26, 2005 - 12:14 PM

I thought it was a great movie... the story, plot and overall reality of the lives of those four people made it well worth watching.

It is harsh, it is real, it is, as Izanami says, honest. Not for the weak of heart of for those who believe in the "power of love".

Probably would have preferred someone other than Julia Roberts, but not sure why.

The end demonstrates just how well you can know a person and become absorbed into situations and escape them. Could describe it more, but don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't seen it.

Nick-la... will agree with you that the first bit of the movie is a bit off... but it is somewhat explained by the end, in a way.

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izanami
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Joined: Jan 27, 2004
Posts: 1037

Posted: Mar 26, 2005 - 12:47 PM

The movie is unapologetic too.

To me, this movie falls into the same category as Unbearable Lightness of Being. We would like to have illusions about love and relationships, but sometimes the human character is just too complex. I would avoid typical romantic trailers at all cost.

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Rio
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Joined: Dec 04, 2004
Posts: 4724

Posted: Mar 26, 2005 - 06:31 PM

Oh I like this thread. I think Closer anatomises relationships and the sexes with a brutally honest precision, leaving little room for optimism, and needless to say it is a film best avoided on a first date Wink

.

Its grimness, nonetheless, is leavened by the wit, however cruel, of the dialogue and by the extraordinary performances of all four players, who navigate emotional extremes with apparent ease, which is not representative for real life I guess, because nothing seems more difficult than the subject of love.

Closer is definitely a film that made me considerably uncomfortable at numerous times, but I couldn’t take my eyes off it and didn’t want it to be over. It's so honest, it's almost shocking!

It has everything, four outstanding performances, sharp dialogue, jealousy, guilt and an intimate intensity. One of the best movies in 2005 until now.

About Clive Owen, I thought he was very bad in King Arthur, but his performance in Closer was amazing, a real standout. And as for Natalie Portman, I knew that she was one of the most talented young stars in Hollywood, but this performance showed me again that she will come really far in this business. Beautiful, talented, just a pleasure to look at.

izanami
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Joined: Jan 27, 2004
Posts: 1037

Posted: Mar 27, 2005 - 02:20 PM

I couldn't have agreed more with Rio. Definitely not a good movie to watch on the first date, and it's made me a lot more skeptical about relationships in the last 24 hours since I last saw it. Thankfully the evil effect on me is wearing off. Ha!

I have been told that despite the good reviews, the film is not doing very well commercially. I was rather surprised. We need less of those dumb chick flicks (at the risk of putting women down) and more thought-provoking movies like this.

I actually liked the Daniel (Jude Law) character the least. He seemed weak and pathetic to me. I preferred Clive Owen.

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nilly

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Joined: Nov 24, 2004
Posts: 1257

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Posted: Mar 27, 2005 - 02:53 PM

fantastic movie
dont why,it makes think that love makes human stupid.
or,people only love themselves.
or,we shouldnt believe in love....

Rio
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Joined: Dec 04, 2004
Posts: 4724

Posted: Mar 27, 2005 - 11:47 PM

izanami wrote:

Definitely not a first date movie, let alone on the night of an intended break-up!

But if you appreciate films that are more substance than style, that take challenges and don't follow formulas, and that feature Oscar-caliber performances, Closer is a movie for your eyes in my opinion.

Im quite suprised to see that most of my friends prefer movies like 'Hitch' or 'Meet the Fockers', both excellent movies in their genre by the way, but they seem not to like Closer as it isn't catchy enough for them.

As the discussion on Closer will probably end soon, I want to recommend a very very good movie Izanami, check this link for the image as it is too big to post here I guess. http://img83.exs.cx/img83/7968/nobodyknowspostera40oy.jpg
A heartbreaking and artful movie, it moved me very much.

As for Closer, I really liked Natalie Portman and although I'm not a big 'fan' of Julia Roberts, she was good too and my opinion on Clive Owen has changed dramatically after seeing him in Closer.

jimandcoco

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Joined: Apr 20, 2004
Posts: 2204
Location: California
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Posted: Mar 27, 2005 - 11:57 PM

It's not a good movie to watch with your wife on Valentines Day either. Too much cheating. Made us uncomfortable.

Jim

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nilly

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Joined: Nov 24, 2004
Posts: 1257

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Posted: Mar 28, 2005 - 08:26 AM

Rio
Post Boaster

Joined: Dec 04, 2004
Posts: 4724

Posted: Oct 22, 2005 - 06:28 AM

Saw this movie again today. Natalie is amazing.

Rio
Post Boaster

Joined: Dec 04, 2004
Posts: 4724

Posted: Oct 22, 2005 - 08:18 AM

Coincidently, I also watched 'Nobody Knows', as mentioned by myself above.

Iz, you should watch this one. THE best movie of 2004.

MaomingMaster
Board Legend

Joined: Feb 03, 2004
Posts: 11059

Posted: Oct 22, 2005 - 08:44 AM

Thanks Rio.

I am becoming quite a big fan of Japanese cinema.

One of my Japanese students is a big movie fan and he often recommends Japanese movies for me to watch.

Nobody Knows seems to continue a running theme in Japanese cinema, that of distrust of authority and the adult world or being abandoned by adults. Many Japanese films have explored this theme to varying degrees and success.

My Japanese friend tells me that this stems from Japan losing the second world war where the youth of that time became disenchanted with authority (who, I guess, assured them that Japan was some kind of super power of Asia). This conflicting with the old customs of family bonds etc....

Interesting stuff.

In opposition to Nobody Knows I suggest you watch Battle Royale which blew me away. Quite violent, quite shocking. Kind of like a real-action, anime/manga version of Lord of the Flies.

Rio
Post Boaster

Joined: Dec 04, 2004
Posts: 4724

Posted: Oct 22, 2005 - 06:32 PM

Yes, MMM, your Japanese friends & students are totally right. This movie (Nobody Knows) directed by Kore-eda Hirokazu (an awesome director) is a reflection of Japanese society, especially society for children who indeed have to deal with the cruel fate of abandonment. You can find more info on the film and a bit on the story behind it right here http://www.lhp.com.sg/nobodyknows/ It's an amazing performance by four children, who in total are not even as old as a grown man.

I have watched Battle Royale, have you watched Battle Royale Vol. 2? If you haven't dont watch it, it will spoil the goodness of Vol. 1. But you are right, the storyline was so different from Hollywood films, it blew me away too.

One of the greatest directors imho in Asia is Chan-wook Park. He directed "Sympathy for Mr Vengeance". "Oldboy", "Sympathy for Lady Vengeance", "If You Were Me", "Joint Security Area" and some other movies. All Korean movies so I don't know if you are into Korean movies, but these are definitely worth your time.

Good to read this MMM.

urgentculture

Rocker

Joined: Aug 19, 2003
Posts: 766

Status: Offline

Posted: Oct 22, 2005 - 10:32 PM

Wow, I'm surprised at this thread. I thought Closer was HORRIBLE. Natalie Portman is one of the most annoying and talentless persons on the screen today, and Julia Roberts has always been irritating. Jude Law and Clive Owen are good actors but Closer was such a bad film it made them look like bafoons.

aquagirl
Veejay
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Joined: May 02, 2005
Posts: 2094
Location: in a gumdrop house on lollipop lane

Posted: Oct 28, 2005 - 07:05 PM

urgentculture, why was this movie so bad? i have been trying to figure out why i didn't like it, and i continue to come up short. maybe because i hated all the characters? I bet Closer is a great play, maybe could even be a great movie, but i thought this one was disappointing.

Law and Owen are good (seen Crupier?), but Roberts continues to confuse me. I think she hit her peak at Flatliners and Pretty Woman. she sucks. Natalie, i think she is fine. She has an Audrey Hepburn-type quality about her.

I really wanted to like this movie. Does it get better on the second viewing?

if you want to think about f'ed up relationships, watch We Don't Live Here Anymore. I think the acting is better in that, although I found Laura Dern strangely annoying. Gets better with each viewing.

Rio
Post Boaster

Joined: Dec 04, 2004
Posts: 4724

Posted: Oct 28, 2005 - 07:14 PM

I think the subject of Closer is a sensitive one. Might bring up bad memories or make you wonder about the future whether you are in love right now or love-less. I've watched it more than several times, not only because I think Natalie is wonderful, but also because I really like the storyline. Now matter what Law does, his selfish character makes sure he ends up with nothing. It is about learning. Learn that love is about trust, but then again, trust does not help you in a relationship. Selfishness in a relationship is mostly to protect yourself against pain. Choose for yourself instead of your partner. But you can see that in Closer, this is not rewarding at all. I think aspects like these are more interesting than the screenplay of Roberts or the other actors. The story behind the story, what you can learn from this movie is much more interesting for me. That's why I like this movie.

aquagirl
Veejay
Veejay

Joined: May 02, 2005
Posts: 2094
Location: in a gumdrop house on lollipop lane

Posted: Oct 28, 2005 - 07:30 PM

Rio, see, I want to agree with you, but I just can't. I didn't feel like there was anything really all that compelling, inspiring, or enlightening. These things you speak of are not revelations to me. And because I was not mesmerized by the acting, i found little redeeming about the movie.

Don't get me wrong, i don't think the movie was bad. it was ok, just disappointing to me. Perhaps a different mood and a second viewing could alter my perspective. You should check out that movie i suggested if you liked Closer. I'd be interested to hear your opinion.

Rio
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Joined: Dec 04, 2004
Posts: 4724

Posted: Oct 28, 2005 - 07:44 PM

Aquagirl, that's alright, you don't have to agree with me. Those things were not revelations to me either, but it was interesting to see that the image I and many of us have of love, was confirmed and reflected on screen. Most movies about relationships always have a good ending. I thought Closer also had a good ending, Natalie Portman getting back in single life Very Happy

, but seriously, it was in my eyes quite refreshing to see.

Does Naomi Watts (the Ring) play in that movie? If so, I have heard about it and I will def check it out.

Wife-of-the-Colour-wolf

Squeeker

Joined: July 14, 2005
Posts: 16

Status: Offline

Posted: Oct 28, 2005 - 08:45 PM

I watched this movie few months ago. To be honest, I agree with Jim-- it's a good movie but not for couples. I still have this movie and everyone please feel free to borrow it or keep it. I dont think I will watch it again--make me too depressed.
Natalie was alright in this movie. far better than the last Star War movie--she did not look like a real princess cause she worn pearl dressing gown.

aquagirl
Veejay
Veejay

Joined: May 02, 2005
Posts: 2094
Location: in a gumdrop house on lollipop lane

Posted: Oct 29, 2005 - 05:13 PM

i did like the ending to Closer. the ah-ha! bit at the end where we learn a bit more about Natalie's true character and all that. too bad there wasn't more like that. i just thought the characters came off as flat.

anyway, Rio, yes, that is the one with Naomi Watts, Peter Kraus, and Mark Ruffalo (so good, especially in You Can Count on Me, another great movie).

BaoLe
Raver
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Joined: Aug 13, 2005
Posts: 493

Posted: Nov 01, 2005 - 11:00 AM

I really liked this movie and it restored my faith in Natalie Portman after having such a bad experience working with her on Star Wars Episode III. I had been a big fan of hers from watching The Professional years ago but all that changed when I had to work with an actress who didn't want to be there on the set of Star Wars in the first place. She shouldn't forget that George Lucas helped promote her into one of the most recognised young actesses today.

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