Jonathon Howard

Agree with other posters that this would be a much better play than a movie. The intimacy of a theatre would bring the story more to life and allow the actors to really turn on the spite. However, good performances all round allow a story about four truly unpleasant people trying to rip each other to pieces to entertain for 90 minutes or so. Close deserves the SAG and likely the Oscar for an excellent showing, albeit she should give a nod to Emma Thompson for inspiration (her Love Actually breakdown). Pryce channels his inner Judd Hirsch the whole time - in fact there were times when I thought it was the veteran actor playing the part. Otherwise he was totally objectionable, just as needed. And well supported by a sulky Irons and Slater at his oleaginous best.