Closed Circuit is a competent, yet bland political thriller that feels more like a BBC television drama than a theatrical film. Despite some fine acting from leads Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall, the film lacks the compelling characters or an engaging storyline to keep even the most lackadaisical of thriller aficionados interested.
While this may all sound like the beginnings of an effective and engaging crime drama, it never really materializes into one. Although the performances from Bana and Hall are strong (as are those of supporting players Ciaran Hinds and the underused Julia Stiles), there is very little tension or really drama in the rather stale storyline and none of the characters ever have a chance to develop into anyone compelling.
Martin and Claudia were assigned the case after the previous attorney kills himself, and everything looks to be moving towards a solid courtroom drama. But things then get even more complicated as it becomes apparent that the trial has more sinister machinations behind it than the run-of-the-mill miscarriage of justice. Instead of exposing this plot, the solution Martin and Claudia arrive at is to simply give up in an attempt to stay alive. Of course, this fails and there is even more manufactured drama. While this may be more “real world” than most films, it falls flat here. Ultimately, there is little or no emotional connection with these characters and there’s subsequently no reason to care what happens to any of them.
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Furthermore, the title of the film suggests that the plot will be concerned, at least to some extent, with the technology of the closed circuit camera. Apart from the opening scene and one or two scenes late in the movie, that just isn’t the case and that’s an unforgivable wasted opportunity. Instead, the story mostly concerns itself with Martin asking a plethora of questions and making one bad decision after another until he finally endanger not only himself but Rebecca as well.
Despite all of this, Closed Circuit isn’t really a boring or an awful film; it just exists. The lack of a compelling story hinders the appeal of the characters and that leaves the film to languish as the cinematic equivalent of plain tasteless oatmeal.
Mike Tyrkus
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