Privacy is a wonderful fantasy these days; it’s something we all wish to have. But there is something I always say: Wish in one hand and crap in the other, see which one fills up quicker. Now, take a world that is monitored 24/7 and give this enormous power to the corrupt, and what you get is anything but ideal… to say the least. Or is it the power that causes corruption? I suppose it doesn’t really matter when the end result is always the corrupt getting away with everything. This is the subject of Closed Circuit, although it doesn’t start out that way
After an unspeakable act of terrorism, two lawyers are brought in as defense for the accused mastermind of the entire horrific incident, which resulted in the deaths of 120 people. When the original lawyer assigned to the case suddenly commits suicide, Martin Rose (Eric Bana) is brought in to take the case, and with mysterious circumstances surrounding the former lawyer’s death Martin is naturally, and understandably, nervous. Before long he realizes his unease is more than justified as strangers begin following him. Even scarier, people he thinks he knows begin acting odd and evasive and are somehow privy to information no one could possibly know. As Martin learns more and more of the truth about this attack the more danger he himself faces, as does his fellow defense lawyer Claudia (Rebecca Hall), who doesn’t seem to understand just exactly what is at stake. Secrets are being leaked and those keeping the secrets will do anything to stop said leak.
There was one aspect of this film I both loved and hated, and that aggravates me in some way. While the movie itself is entertaining, the portrayal of big government doing whatever the hell they want pissed me off for one single reason – it’s pretty damn accurate. I’m not so sure they kill off lawyers as easy as getting a coffee, but the lack of concern for its people certainly isn’t a farce. And it isn’t just the U.S. that has to swallow this greed with a smile either, it is worldwide. I guess maybe it is human nature to end up this way; still, it sucks. The governments of the world have an agenda and will do anything and kill anyone that has the gall to stand up to them; let’s just say their families will probably never see them alive again. Those “freak accidents” or “unexpected suicides” are a real killer.
I would say the weakest part of this movie is the pacing; it is slow scene after slow scene. Eventually something exciting happens and then it immediately goes back to slowness. Have you ever watched Ozzy Osbourne perform? It’s as if the microphone stand is his home and he fears leaving that home. He will pull the mic from the stand, and take a few steps away where he will then bolt very quickly back to the stand. Seriously, check it out sometime, it’s kind of funny. Anyway, that’s what I liken to the pacing of this film. It strays away from what it is comfortable doing but almost instantly resorts back to what it knows best. Based on what I just wrote it may not sound like it, but it really is a decent political thriller, it just doesn’t maintain its excitement long enough. Another weak point, and maybe this is to do with the pacing as well, but before you know it the film is coming to its conclusion, and not a very satisfying one either.
If you want to see a movie this weekend and nothing is really catching your attention then give this a chance, but it’s nothing more than a decent movie to pass a few hours. Nothing about it really stands out… the performances are good, not great, and the script is filled with reused material. But it is all executed well enough to be entertaining and even thought provoking at times. I couldn’t end this without mentioning how good Rebecca Hall looks in the film; of course she always looks nice in any movie. To sum it up; if you see it you might enjoy it for the most part, and if you don’t see it then no big deal. It won’t be as if you’re missing a real gem. A much better execution of this type of film is The International starring Clive Owen and Naomi Watts, much more exciting that one, so maybe check that out sometime.
Rated R For: language and brief violence
Run Time: 96 minutes
After Credits Scene: None
Starring: Eric Bana, Rebecca Hall, Jim Broadbent, Julia Stiles
Directed By: John Crowley
Out of 5 Nerdskulls
Story: 3/ Acting: 3.5/ Directing: 3/ Visuals: 2
OVERALL: 3 Nerdskulls
