Closed Circuit (Eric Bana, Rebecca Hall)

[Holmes]

I could not find a thread for this film for the life of me. I apologize if there is one.

I saw it last night. My, if you will, mini-review:

Closed Circuit is a capable and well-crafted, if unspectacular legal suspense film in the vein of (though not in the same league as) The Conversation and the State of Play mini-series. Set in London, the film focuses on a pair of lawyers, only one of whom is authorized to review top-secret documents, defending a Muslim man suspected of involvement in a bombing which claimed over 100 lives. Of course, there is more to the story than either first realizes, and they soon discover a complicated web of government conspiracy and deception, endangering themselves furhter with each new revelation. Every aesthetic choice is spot-on, from the blue, overcast tint to shots which emphasize a sense of paranoia by observing characters from afar through city windows. It never fails to resemble an atmospheric, top-flight spy film.

The acting is strong, too, with Eric Bana conveying a certain exhausted dedication as the male protagonist, as if he continues to push forward with his various briefings and investigations despite desiring a shave, a nap, and an aspirin, while Rebecca Hall counters with a more dignified and regal portrayal of legal intelligence and ambition. And in a small, but important role as the Attorney General, Jim Broadbent infuses his smiling and tender presence, so often used to perfection in comedies and lighter fare such as the Bridget Jones films, with an insinuating, sinister dimension. It is the storyline where Closed Circuit, however involving in the moment (and it is indeed riveting most of the time), fails to set itself apart to a significant degree. Information is at times conveyed with a thud instead of with playful grace (notice how one purportedly friendly character reveals his complicity in the central MI5 conspiracy in a dolt worthy slip), and the ending is a tad anticlimactic and afraid to go to the cynical, no-good-deed-goes-unpunished lengths to which it clearly aspires for a moment before shying away, shoehorning in an unearned hint of left-wing uplift.

B or *** and 1/2 out of *****

[growler]

Just saw it & rated it 2/4.

Very interesting concept & the acting was very good. But, the direction & editing was not great. Also the

[Show spoiler]few action sequences were very unbelievable. No desk worker would stand a chance against a wet work specialist.

I did like the writer's film "Dirty Pretty Things" although it

[Show spoiler]also has some unbelievable plot points.

Not many will see this until released on BD/DVD/Cable TV

[jamesdevil]

One of the most poorly conceived and set up films of the year. I liked all the actors involved and the plot is something that I should be interested in but the end result was just a long, boring slog.

[MikeScott]

I'll rent this when it comes out. Reviews convinced me not to see it theatrically.

[jamesdevil]

Originally Posted by MikeScott

I'll rent this when it comes out. Reviews convinced me not to see it theatrically.

At least then you can escape more easily.

[Rinzler]

Finally got to see this... I really enjoyed it. I think one of the things I enjoyed most was Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall's performances, and how their characters were written/woven together.

[Cinemach]

Now I do love thrillers of the British variety (crime/spy/espionage inclusive), so this is right up my alley. But I really, really enjoyed it very much. Yeah it's slow, muted, and kinda talky, but that's a hallmark of this avenue of cinema (see: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy), so if you chagrin to that then it probably won't be for you. The script could maybe be more 'graceful', but I was into the vibe - I loved the acting/directing/cinematography, and didn't really lock on to any so-called bumps in the ride.

Cinematography: This is also one of my favorite-looking films of the year. Using filters has become terribly commonplace nowadays - and to impressively horrible effect. Thankfully the unobtrusive use of the technique here is complementary, retro-fitting London as a steely, Cold War-clime without smacking of formal or expressive waste.

[Rinzler]

I'm surprised there wasn't a poll for this!

[hagios]

I'm excited to see this eventually!

I love this type of crime drama & it's genre!

UK & Scandinavian dramas(& movies involving their locations), are my favs.

I love the cinematography of their films, if they use their beautiful countryside more!!

I've got several dvds & bds involving this genre from those countries & would love to add this to my collection(if I enjoy it)!!!