Is Close Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1993)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Crime, Drama cinema, the 1993 release of Close stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into In the airport of Brussels, the future lawyer Michael says farewell to his parents. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Crime, Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "In the airport of Brussels, the future lawyer Michael says farewell to his parents. While in the toilet, he glances a mysterious woman, Angelica, who asks for help to him while she is being arrested by the immigration department. Michael becomes obsessed with Angelica and finds her in a peep show. He marries her to give Belgium citizenship to her and after a short time, he realizes that she is a member of a resistance of an undefined country in South America."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Katia Alens, the performance in Close feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Paul Collet is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 105 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Close truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Crime, Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Close explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1993 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Paul Collet respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Close is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Katia Alens or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Close is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.