Closer (2005, DVD)

This movie was reviewed in top newspapers and magazines (eg New York Times) and two of the actors (Portman and Owens) were nominated for Golden Globe and Oscar awards. I watched this movie a year after the hype because I had recalled that it was about relationships, was directed by renowned Mike Nichols (husband of Diane Sawyer) and starred phenomenal actors. I recalled from the reviews that the relationships had a tortuous element. This was born out in the film. What I was not prepared for was the gratuitous use of the f-word, the c-word and a scene in which two men are on the internet at a porn site and we see their typed expressions of sexual phantasies expressed in porn language. This scene does not last long but it is near the beginning of the movie. Another shocking scene viewers might like to be aware of , which I did not think advanced the plot or character development, was a scene where one of the characters(Owens) encounters the stripper character (Portman) at her place of employment. The message is that no matter how much money is paid it is all about look but don't touch, no intimacy, no truly knowing the real person. Apart from those risque scenes the rest of the shock value is in language. As I recall there are no actual scenes of sex or violence. Pain is inflicted by words and the telling of acts (of infidelity). Everybody's timing is off - they love too late, or love is unrequited. Twenty four hours later I found myself still contemplating the movie - it made me think. It is a cautionary tale. As a woman married 34 years I would say there is an alternative to the lives of these individuals - it is a pedestrian view of love, which plods on when love appears absent, dim or obscured, only to find around a corner or past a turn in the road that love has returned again as surely as sun after rain.

Wonderful cast but the storyline was so bizarre it was very hard to follow. However, Clive Owen once again steals the show as his character changes from serious to funny and back again so beautifully.

I loved that movie, i saw it on tv, and it was awesome, it was new and sealed like a new movie, i liked that and it was perfect with no scratches on the dvd, over all it was great.

just as described,fast shipping,my wife wanted the movie, will deal with seller again............................

I didn't like it the first time, but it WORTH A SECOND VIEWING

I bought this DVD because of all the stars. I watched it once and really thought it was not my cup of tea... I really didn't like it. But then yesterday, when looking for something to watch I pulled this flick out and was amazingly surprised. It was really good, and full of gripping stuff. I must have been having a bad day the first time. I mean yes there are some unrealistic moments, but the second viewing really made me appreciate the dialog, the intense emotions and the reasoning behind the male dominance thing. I totally got it the second time. Its really important to pay attention to the dialog, cause its really a cerebral movie. Give it a watch or two… this one delivers. MR

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This is an intense character study that is only going to be suitable and or enjoyable for mature adults. Great performances by all four actors particularly Portman. Wonderful relating of the common bitterness and anger that develop among people who are relating as only adults do. I encourage you to see this film.

THe movie was good and interesting but my review is about the quality of the DVD. I was mislead to buy this DVD as it was released as a superbit DVD. Truth is that the DVD contains previews and a bunch of extras which means the movie was compressed. If you see the DVD it becomes obvious that it is not a superbit DVD. No superbit menu and no "digital experience" intro. Quality of picture is that of a slightly better VHS.

This film really has a masterful way of showing you the mind of others when cheating begins and the effects. It shows the limits of when one will cut the cancer of the pain someone else has caused and how they may or may not replace it with a another painful vice that they may bring to themselves or others....
and Why?....

Because in one moment someone was too selfish self consumed with entertaining a moment that could lead to MOMENTS of a feel good, short lived, interest that has no depth. If love is made to endure it forces the viewer to ask themselves the question how long would they like to endure and if forever then considers always your mate. ALWAYS.

You see how some connect and relate but not completely to love. How some respond to love and how they could avoid an uneccessary brew if they thought long enough for thier other spirit or half. It takes great inner spiritual strength to forgive this type of behavior. Which one could say the lack of grace or opportunity of reconciling did not demonstrate the strength of the love that was supposedly there.

I would have like to see a sequal that goes throught the storm with at one couple that endured the slight and learned not to do it again.

AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES WE TURNED IT OFF. NASTY LANGUAGE AND JUST PLAIN NASTY. STUPID WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY AND I CANNOT BELIEVE IT WON ANY KIND OF AWARD.

WE LIKE JULIA ROBERTS AND JUDE LAW AND WOULD EXPECT MUCH BETTER THAN THIS FROM BOTH OF THEM.

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME OR YOUR MONEY ON THIS ONE.

was a stupid movie, sorry I wasted my money on it!! was told by a freind that is was interesting, not the type of movie I want to spend my valuable time whatching. Actors were good, but the plot of the movie left a lot to think about. Would relist it and try and make my money back!

I have always loved this movie and now that i have it im very happy. The shipping was fast and the item was in great condition.

An amazing film about the complexities, deceit, and reality of relationships. It is shocking at times, endearing at others, comedic and also breath-taking. The illumination of the pure paradox of human existence brings out every aspect of the hypocrites we all are. The dialogue is never boring, always titilating and always adds to the film - never detracting. Each detail plays a part in the sweet complexity and at the end, makes you want to watch it all over again.

I really liked this movie. I had watched it before, but the title didn't ring any bells. I remembered it right away as it started. I had to watch it again. I thought that the actors did very well with their roles. The movie kept my attention from start to finish. (I get side tracked very easily) I had watched it before, but there were some things that I missed the first time. I'll watch it again. I can't think of any other film that it reminds me of at this time....might be why I like it as much as I do. You shouldn't watch the film with children.....in my opinion viewers should be at least 18 years of age to watch this film. Even so, It might be uncomfortable to watch with your children/ parents. Hope this helps. :O)

Forgetable film. So much so, that I cant recall what it even was... I will list it here soon so you can forget it too!

This is a great movie about love and relationships.Everytime you will watch it you find a different detail and say Gee this is how it really works in life, this is what people trully feel. Plus the cast is amazing.+++++

This movie is wonderful. there were no scratches what so ever and the price was unbeatable. Usually dvds become scratched easily, but this one is in mint shape.

Closer is difficult to watch at times. The level of manipulation, hatred, and lack of compassion are hard to witness. Despite the gritty subject matter, the screenplay and performances are exceptional and make this film absolutely worth seeing.

the story was beautiful and ugly at the same time... it starred some of the most beatiful stars acting in the most human and flawed roles... natalie portman is one of my favorite actresses and since she burst onto the movie stage as a 12yr old in "the professional"... this is by far her most adult and full performance of her career... -clapping-

I bought Closer off of half.com VERY fast shipping. Love the movie and I LOVE e-bay. There. Is that a long enough review?

Natalie Portman - OMG!!!!! Not really one of Julia Roberts most impressive performances IMO, but did I mention Natalie Portman is smokin!!!!

I really enjoyed this movie. Although there is not much action, I thought the actors were great as well as the plot.

Closer could have been better but overall was a good movie. Natalie Portman as always is mesmerizing and beautiful - no matter what she does and she outshines Julia Roberts in this one.