Closer -
This is a movie with a great cast doing great things, but that's falls apart as a cohesive whole. All 4 principals are fantastic, and this is really worth it just for the exchanges and writing. It's obvious the director/writer were trying to say something about marriage, infidelity, lust, and how it all turns your life upside down, but it just didn't all gel by the end for me.
I would still call it a good movie. Wonderfully shot, written, and acted. Special props to Natalie Portman for doing what she had to do for the part. Damn.
The Bridge on the River Kwai -
Wonderful movie. It could have benefited from a bit of editing, but it it all adds to the slow burn to the end. I realized, as the end was drawing near, that there was no possible way for it to end well for everyone. I was still shocked, and saddened, by the ending. Such a parable for life.
Brilliant acting by Guinness. I'm so glad I've gone back and seen some of his films prior to Star Wars. For far too many years he was simply Obi Wan Kenobi.
I mark this down 1 star for the improper music used for certain scenes. I imagine they were trying to say something, but to me it simply didn't work. Especially in the end. I also thought the scene where they released Nicolson from the "oven" was way overdone.
Overall, a fantastic film that is about so much more than a bridge being built. Essential viewing for any movie lover.
