The One with the Kinky Julia

Closer
Rating: 8/10
Oscar Chances: Clive Owen, Supporting Actor; Natalie Portman, Supporting Actress; Adapted Screenplay

Romance-dramas tend to be bland and predictable; you usually know the outcome within the first ten minutes. This isn’t the case with Mike Nichols’ Closer, based on the Tony-nominated play by Patrick Marber, who also penned the film’s screenplay. The story revolves around four star-crossed lovers as they are intertwined in a love quadrangle, stuck in a seemingly endless merry-go-round without any inkling of who will end up with whom.

The film’s biggest strength is its screenplay. It’s honest and truthful, to the point of being brutal. It doesn’t try to cover up the ugly behavior that love can bring out of us. It focuses on one aspect of a romantic relationship that couples don’t really want to talk about until it actually happens: betrayal. The frankness of Marber’s script, most notably when it comes to sex, may surprise viewers, especially those who will go into the theaters expecting a cutesy love story. However, the sex talk wasn’t cheap and wasn’t slapped on the story just for the sake of attracting controversy; it’s used like how normal people perceive it to be – a double-edged sword that can be used as an expression of love, or as a means to spawn hatred.

Although it revolves around only four major characters (and only two are together onscreen at any given time), the pace of the film flows seamlessly, and doesn’t come up as boring. Nichols makes good use of his shots to allow the audience to connect with the four characters. In the end, even if the characters come across as despicable, selfish beings with no regard for others’ feelings, you can’t help but hope that they somehow find love.

Major props should also be given to the four actors who gave equally compelling performances. Just like in all his other films, Jude Law is once again in top form as the match who ignites the fire in this movie. His is the most despicable of the four characters, and you’ll just love to hate Law in this film. Natalie Portman is slowly making the transition to more serious roles, and if her performance here is an indication of her talent, she’ll surely be recognized in the future. Equally refreshing is America’s Sweetheart Julia Roberts in such a bold role, talking about sex positions and stuff. It isn’t Roberts at her best, but just to see her kinky side is enough to bring a smile on my face. The one who’s most impressive is Clive Owen, who delivers an intense performance as the person stuck in the middle of things. I was wondering what the hype was about Owen when “King Arthur” came out; now I see why. He’ll be perfect as the new Bond.

Some have labeled “Before Sunset” as the most honest film of the year, but I beg to differ. Go watch Closer, and you’ll know what brutal honesty is. It’s a study of lies, deceit, infidelity, and what selfish love is capable of. A warning: be very careful in choosing whom you will watch the film with. It’ll be best if you bring along a friend instead of a loved one.

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This was originally posted in PinoyExchange, at the Closer (Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman) thread. I had no idea on what the movie was about when I watched it, so I was pleasantly surprised with how good it was. Lafftrip yung part nung nagsa-cybersex sila Jude Law and Clive Owen hahahahahaha! :p

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SI's Marty Burns reports that the Blazers are among the teams eyeing Baron Davis. Word is that the Blazers are willing to package Shareef Abdur Rahim and Damon Stoudamire (both of whom have expiring contracts at the end of the season) in exchange for Davis. I hope it pushes through; the Blazers badly need a shot in the arm. Di na rin naman masyadong kailangan si Shareef. He plays the same position as Zach Randolph, and Darius Miles is blossoming at the 3-spot. It will leave the already-thin Blazer bench more depleted, but the chance of getting an all-star in Davis' caliber is too tempting to pass. I hope John Nash pursues this one; lahat na lang ng available stars (Ray Allen, Jason Kidd, Vince Carter), pinakawalan niya!

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Yey! Approved yung leave ko for Monday, I can watch the Golden Globes. Babaw eh 'no, magli-leave lang para makapanood ng Globes. The next thing I'd have to worry about is where I'll watch it. Ine-nenok ko na lang siguro yung hotel key from Mum para sa Heritage ako makapanood. I'd have to commute though; darned Mondays and that stooopid color-coding scheme.

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PEx will be down this weekend; we're finally upgrading our vBulletin software to the latest version. Ada says we're going to love the new software. Aaaaah, if only it automatically bans and deletes nuissance posters. Now that's a feature we'll love. :p