Closer was an interesting film. On the one hand, it was a powerful story of love, misaligned expectations, betrayal, and fear of rejection. If you view this film as a condensed version of the constant struggle to find love and not be the one loving too much – it is a powerful film. It is a great commentary on how we want what we cannot have and often toss aside the best things in our lives simply because it is attainable.

On the other hand, it was a potty-mouthed romp through the gutter for the sake of shock value. The high-gloss look and feel of the film (including the cast) make it come across as more smug and classy than the trashy plebian story it tells. The honest look at romance and the breaking of hearts is excellent, but the problem lies in this film’s voice. There is not much differentiation between the characters – they all use the same witty quips, they all wear their hearts on their sleeves, they all are consumed with torrents of the same emotional highs and lows. It comes across as four parts of Patrick Marber‘s split personality. Had they each been a little less perfect on the quick-witted remarks and a little less vulgar, I think it could have been a much better film. It is 104 minutes of soap opera… nothing earth-shattering but entirely entertaining.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the song “The Blower’s Daughter” by Damien Rice was the theme song for the film. I have really dug the song since I first heard it.

RATING 7 out of 10