User Reviews

With the waft of a BBC movie and with some pretty shoddy production values, Boy A (a film you have to track down that features an early stunning turn from Spider-Man himself Andrew Garfield) director John Crowley's 2013 thriller Closed Circuit starts off in a very mundane way and while not translating into anything more than a well-paced if highly unbelievable thriller it marks itself off as an enjoyable way to pass 90 minutes of your life with a story that will grow on you as the red herrings and mysteries pile up.

Closed Circuit is a certainly a strange name for a movie that really has nothing to do with surveillance, instead Crowley's film focuses on the tensions and discoveries made between Eric Bana's gruff (and very un-British sounding) arrogant lawyer Martin Rose and one time lover Claudia Simmons-Howe played by the always threatening to break out of b grade status Rebecca Hall. These people are not overly likable and the film lacks a figure that can up the feel of the piece as a whole even though it's nice to see fine character actors Ciaran Hinds, Jim Broadbent and a man possibly bound for future stardom in the form of the always great Riz Ahmed get some nice supporting roles. With a lack of real interest for the films body of people it is up to the plot boiler story to carry it through.

As previously mentioned Closed Circuit's story is not really too concerned with being overly believable, in one particular instance it is insinuated that a large government agency such as Mi5 can't hack computers but by and by the story succeeds at grabbing your attention and making you keen enough to see how it all transpires. At the heart of the story is a very intriguing and relatively possible scenario of agency meddling gone wrong and the idea of terrorist attacks on a city like London remain frighteningly possible which gives the film a feeling of current time relevance.

Lacking an acting spark that would have really made Closed Circuit more the sum of its parts, in saying that the film does still remain to be a solid and at times surprising thriller. Ending off proceedings in a manner that shows us just what could have been with this story, Closed Circuit is forgettable yet not regrettable and for topical thrillers that is a refreshing twist.

3 Bran Stark's out of 5

For more movie reviews and opinions check out -

www.jordanandeddie.wordpress.com

Writer Steven Knight (Eastern Promises, Dirty Pretty Things, Redemption) has turned out another tense thriller that is all the more poignant because of the state of affairs with all countries win their subterfuge of crossing lines with the various branches of 'justice' and investigation now made more visible post Edward Snowden's lifting of the veil of secrecy that has for so long confused the public as to how the governments actually function in the struggle with terrorism. This one of course focuses on Britain's multi-phased departments both in criminal work and judicial response. If for no other reason this film is worth watching to see just how occult those sorts of dealings are an how in essence our individual privacy is a dinosaur. A high-profile terrorism case involving an alleged Turkish terrorist Farroukh Erdogan (Denis Moschitto) who sets off a major bomb in central London, killing scores of people unexpectedly binds together two ex-lovers Martin (Eric Bana) and Claudia (Rebecca Hall) on divisive sides of the defense team - testing the limits of their loyalties and placing their lives in jeopardy. The cast of characters on both sides of the Turkish terrorist plot are polished and conniving and include Ciarán Hinds, Jim Broadbent, Anne-Marie Duff, Julia Stiles (the sole American in the mêlée), Riz Ahmed, Kenneth Cranham, to name a few excellent performances. The use of multiple screens throughout the film not only enhances the plot but also laces a magnifying glass on the techniques of the security measures that affect us all. This is a fast moving, tense, credible movie that carries far more importance than the story it tells. Well worth watching, especially in view of the increasing exposure of understanding terrorism thanks to the presence of television series such as Homeland, Person of Interest, Strike Back et al.

Grady Harp

Martin Rose (Eric Bana) and Claudia (Rebecca Hall) are assigned to a case to defend Farroukh Erdogan (Denis Mochitto) who is accused of bombing a London market killing 120 plus. Because this case involves classified information Martin and Claudia cannot interact together or they will lose their licenses. Martin is the Defense Lawyer. Claudia is the Defendant's Advocate. Martin will defend in Open Court and Claudia will defend in Closed Session where classified information will be presented. In time, both learn that a government cover-up may be in play. Uh oh! What to do? What to do?

Not sure though if the Advocate person is only assigned when classified info is in play. No matter. It is what it is.

Well, of course, you know that Martin and Claudia will somehow interact and this will cause them to be most careful. Oh, they were lovers a while back. See?

This will not be the thriller you may have expected. No, it's a comfortable ride and the pacing is just right. Some things happen but nothing to put you on the edge of your seat. It's not that kind of thriller, but it is watchable. See?

I enjoyed this but the ending is really weak. Bummer. (5/10)

Violence: Yes. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: Yes.

It was a bit difficult getting up the motivation to do a write up for this one, as it does not inspire. But it is very believable, with a realistic feel in script and action. Both sharp and taut throughout, this is meant to be more intellectually stimulating than adrenaline releasing. A movie that makes you think. I found the tone and atmosphere, at least in part, to be comparable to Roman Polanski's recent effort in The Ghost Writer.

There seems to be a resurgence in recent years in both the practice of and appreciation for the well honed tension that Hitchcock was famous for. This has some of that. It seems that making what most would call a good movie was not the aim here, as much as having something to say, and wanting it said well. Which it was. What was said bothers you a bit, after.

If you combined elements of the legal drama in Syriana, the syntax of a big brother government in Enemy of the State, along with the perfect pace and proper tension in The Ghost Writer, you'll have an idea of the movie. Perhaps that's what he was aiming at. It isn't as good as any of those films. But definitely worth seeing if you want something more cerebral.

Without giving anything away, it seems they were very clever in an almost feigned attempt at a happy ending. A bit of psychological warfare I think. You'll have to see it to know what I'm talking about. Much too lite for such a serious threat. But then, that was probably the intention. It kind of helps drive it home and makes it stick to you. Some complained about it being too short. I do want my money's worth, but I don't think the time affected the quality of the movie.

http://fullgrownministry.wordpress.com/2013/07/29/no-anxious-thought/

Well watch this film to find out. Good actors, great locations, beautiful cinematography, what's left? oh, script and direction. Actually it's not that simple, It's hard to figure out just what is bad about this film. The pacing is out, it comes across as kinda boring, making out the sinister in the mundane and then turning down the heat. The all powerful unstoppable MI5 apparently has only a handful of operatives. The same people seem to be on 24 our call to do cliché henchmen work. Organisations that are all knowing and powerful seem to trip over their feet in the next scene. The ending (don't fight it, it's bigger than the both of us and in the end it is for the public good) was a decent point to make, but oh what a crappy way of making it. This film ended up being confused instead of exciting and intriguing. What a waste of good resources.

Closed Circuit is a good, although unexceptional, suspense movie. The movie has a strong start but a weak finale, and somewhere in the middle looses stream and starts plodding along to its inevitable conclusion. The story itself tests the limits of plausibility and features principal characters who have little warmth and fail to generate much empathy. The question of government duplicity is treated in an unimaginative manner and fails to generate any sense of concern or outrage. Yet the movie does entertain by generating a certain level of tension, albeit watered down. The question of cover up sustains the story and adds an element of tension. Yet there are no heroes which makes the ending anticlimactic. That certain scenes are set at a football game is unoriginal. Further, the alleged victim of a miscarriage of justice is hardly worthy of empathy and the same goes for his family, especially the fourteen year old son who belongs in juvenile detention. The acting is cheesy, the cinematography unspectacular, the story twists and turns predictable and the movie theme muddled. Yet, this movie should be watched because it dramatizes what happens when the truth is suppressed and transparency is discarded in favor of secrecy.

i just want to say that i only took a peek at the first few lines of the first review on the first page and that was it...and i have to say that i have to agree with the reviewer and as a matter of fact, that was the first thought that occurred to me. this movie is a lot like the movie " ghost writer ", so if you liked aforementioned movie...which i did, then you will probably, most likely enjoy this movie also. did the British government have anything to do with the low rating? this movie was so much more juicier then the " ghost writer "...i mean come on man this is first rate movie making with a bunch of "A" list actors and actresses who were up to the task. there is nothing that i dislike about this movie except for its running time, which is too short for a good thriller like this. this movie literally had me eyes glued to the screen it was so juicy. i like a movie with a lot of twists and tension thru-out the movie and the ending to me was kind of unexpected. Kudos to all involved for coming out with such an entertaining movie.

"From infancy on, we are all spies; the shame is not this but that the secrets to be discovered are so paltry and few." John Updike

Thrillers involving international heavy weights like the super British spy agency, MI5, are durable, reeking of intrigue and inscrutability. Such is the case of Closed Circuit with its terrorism incident killing scores of civilians and a subsequent trial at Old Bailey, where Martin Rose (Eric Bana) has been appointed defense counsel for accused spy, Farroukh Erdogan (Denis Moschitto). Many questions are unanswered before the trial, not the least of the answers sealed in documentation not even the accused may see.

The plot has intelligent qualities; the execution not so. Martin's colleague, Claudia (Rebecca Hall), is a special advocate for the defense—only she may see the secret information. Unfortunately they had an affair, a fact that may compromise their case. One of the main players in the investigation is a young boy, a plot turn with possibilities but never fully exploited.

And so it goes, nothing really new after that. Some good guys turn out to be bad, MI5 is not transparent, and the accused is not who we thought he was. The closed circuit motif, introduced at the titles and interspersed throughout, is not as important as the title and occasional shots would suggest. Except for the shots of London around the Eye, nothing seems to be worth spending millions on the film for.

After the secrets have been revealed and the plot twist dutifully rendered, you may leave the theater feeling you missed something. You didn't. It's all a part of the requirements of the genre, perhaps a comforting feeling that you knew it all along. As for me, I missed what it could have been in my favorite city in the world.

Conspiracy theories. Espionage. Terrorist acts. All this is present in the film Closed Circuit. What are not present are depth in theories developed by the characters and explanations of crucial details of the film.

Starring Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall, the film shows us a little of the British judicial system. This is perhaps one of the biggest flaws of the script. The lack of explanation of how this system works and how it is structured, does not allow us to get into the story, just accept what is shown.

About the actors, Eric Bana is what to be expected for those who have seen his films. In contrast, Rebecca Hall shows the same talent seen in The Prestige (2006) and The Town (2010). Jim Broadbent gives us another opportunity to see his gift, even in fast appearances during a 90-minute film.

The film wants to leave the place where it started, however the lack of surprising elements in the script makes everything back to the beginning. This is the same path that follows the protagonist throughout the story.

This movie tries to work on the audience's paranoia by showing them that the government, or a greater power, has control over everything and sees everything... you are nothing but a pawn in their game... should you try to challenge them then you are expendable.

It comes close to succeeding until you realise the amount of manpower surveillance on this scale would take. It's just not feasible. Though forget that and you have a pretty decent conspiracy theory movie about a bumbled MI5 operation and the lengths they will go to correct their error.

Eric Bana proves his acting talent once again by giving a good portrayal of a lawyer dropped into the mess. Scared and worried about the outcome, not just for himself but ex-girlfriend and colleague, Claudia Simmons-Howe, and the child of the suspected terrorist whose lives are at risk.

Though Eric Bana gives a good performance as Martin Rose, along with Jim Broadbent as the Attorney General, it's Rebecca Hall as Claudia that lets the story down. I'm not sure if it's her acting or the director's vision of this character. I like the idea of Claudia not fully understanding the situation she's gotten into and later having to rely on Rose for help and to keep her alive as he is the savviest of the pair. She comes across as too weak and I cannot believe she achieved the position she holds.

The story is a little convoluted at times with twists, hints, and allegations being brandished about. The concept of Trust No One is very evident in this film and you have trouble figuring out who to believe and who not to. This hinders the story somewhat because you know what the story is about right from the start it's just the journey to a satisfactory ending you're on and you better fasten that seatbelt... it sure is a bumpy ride.

This one is a must for the conspiracy theory nuts, of which I am one, though be warned it's not a smooth ride.

After seeing this film you'll find even the low ratings it's received on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes to be strangely suspicious. It just leaves you questioning all of the things you really need to be question right now, especially with the current trial of the recent Boston Bombings. The whole movie actually holds an eerie resemblance to the whole case and does put certain ideas out there. Which is exactly where they need to be. Out here, with us, in the public. But in the end it's JUST movie, right? I see it as more of a message. It was brilliant and exactly what the world needs right now. Not only was the message perfect, but the movie was suspenseful and intense and so far the reviews don't seem to match up to the movie I saw... What's going on here, did we actually see the same movie!? I guess perception is what determines that one.

A nice tense drama loaded with conspiracies and intrigue with great acting across the board with one exception.

Eric Bana. The acting itself is ok (and he's usually awesome) but his British accent is horrible and I often found it distracting.

Otherwise the film is really well crafted relying on dialogue more than fight scenes etc.

This is from the director of 'Brooklyn' and that's the obvious reason for I'm here. Looks like many haven't liked it, but for me it was an okay film. Seen plenty of similar themes, so I did not find anything special from this. That means easily predictable story, but I just went through till the end to learn how it all ends. Apparently that's how the narration goes, without a twist. You will know right from the beginning who's behind the bomb blast that takes place at the opening.

Well written screenplay, but that was not enough for the film buffs or the critics, it might work for people who watch films occasionally. Looks like based on the real, but there's nothing in the opening or in the end of the film about it. Eric Bana and Rebbeca Hall as the ex and lawyers, takes up a high profile case which will be a secret trial. So theirs every move will be watched. Until one day they discover the truth which threatens their lives. The rest of the film reveals whether they successfully accomplish the undertaking or not.

In some parts, it was mild thrilling, but the developments were ordinary. Especially it never clears us the motive, just leaves some understandable terms. This is a dramatised thriller than a cinematised crime-mystery with powerful dialogues and stunts. They tried it to be a quite realistic, but was not successful. So there was not any extraordinary performance, both the leads were pretty decent. Had potential to be a great film may be in addition of a few action sequences. Overall, not a bad film, just one time watchable.

6.5/10

This movie should cast a dubious eye on those patriots who always believe all that our governments tell us.It is very encouraging that this movie even got made.Viewers have come a long way from the 70's and earlier when the rah-rah fawning sycophant factor was a much greater percentage of the public than it is now.We've got a long way to go,but it looks like were are catching on.Hooray.Go see this one.It points out what we are up against.The acting is quite good;especially Bana and Broadbent.The closed circuit TV's are an interesting analogy to explain the understandable paranoia of the people in charge.They should be paranoid.If enough people figure out what's really going on;all the cameras in the world won't save them.

I have a friend who says that subject line to his history students, and he also says it when he's called up for jury duty. The power of the state is awesome. Because it is, it should be careful how that power is used.

Well, ha-ha, we all know that doesn't happen, and that's what Closed Circuit is about. The beginning of the movie shows a bomb going off in a public place in London, killing 121 people. The bomber, Farroukh Erdogan (Denis Moschitto) is arrested.

The case is assigned to two lawyers, Martin Rose and Claudia Simmons-Howe (Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall). The two have a connection: they are ex-lovers, and Martin's affair with her broke up his marriage.

Claudia is to represent the interests of Erdogan in a private hearing, which in itself is controversial. She and Martin are not to have any contact with one another once the she is shown confidential information. This is so the public trial will not be compromised.

Later, Martin attends a party and meets a New York Times reporter. She tells him something that makes him realize that his every move is being watched. Martin and Claudia get into the case and find out that the defendant is not who he appears to be. And their lives are in jeopardy.

Suspenseful and thought-provoking, this is a well-acted, excellent drama about the lengths government will go to to protect itself -- forget about the citizens. I think people realize that today there is no such thing as privacy, and I'm sure most people realize the government is corrupt. But how corrupt? That's something, from the low rating on this board, that most people don't understand.

The ending of this film may be a little pat, but don't let it keep you from seeing this film.

I have just seen this film for the first time, having missed it earlier. The film begins with a dramatic terrorist attack on Borough Market in London, involving a large van. As we all know, a dramatic terrorist attack on Borough market involving a large van subsequently took place. Copy cat? Inspired by an idea of? Coincidence? Psychic prophecy? We will never know. The film is very well directed, with excellent performances, and the pace never fails, as the tension is wound tighter and tighter. The terrorist attack really only sets the scene for the story which follows, which is entirely concerned with corruption within the British security services and what currently passes for 'the British justice system', a system which degenerates by the day. The story features a revoltingly corrupted Attorney General, which comes as no surprise, since I can think of a past one. John Broadbent is suitably menacing in that role, his eyes bulging with a terminally compromised personal morality. But the main target of the film is the establishment of the secret courts which have been instituted in Britain today, and which include not only the security courts such as the one shown in this film, but even the Court of Protection, in which invalids and children have their fates decided in secret, with their relatives being excluded from the process. My view is plain: there is no place for secrecy in the justice system, since as soon as the system ceases to be transparent, corruption and abuse are inevitable. This film is about such abuse. A young Turkish man with the unfortunate name of Erdogan (this film seems to have foreseen perhaps too much!) is accused of being the mastermind of the London terrorist attack. However, it transpires that he was all along an agent for the British security services, but he has been framed by them to cover up their mammoth cock-up which resulted in the deaths of more than 200 people. The terrifyingly icy security head is played by Anne-Marie Duff, who will just as soon kill you as look at you, and frequently does so. The horrifying 'secret justice' (or should I say secret injustice?) laid on by the officials is shown in minute detail, and everyone is under surveillance all the time. Welcome to modern Britain! Erdogan's previous defence attorney has 'committed suicide by jumping from a roof', but we later learn that he was murdered because he discovered too much. An American journalist is also murdered because she discovers too much. And that leaves the two remaining lawyers, played by Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall. They naively commence their duties, only to discover that the whole process is a sham, that Erdogan is a patsy, and people who interfere in the plan keep getting killed. Attempts are made to murder both of them. They keep trying to fight the corruption, but they are out-manouevred at every turn because of informers and intensive surveillance. Can those fearless fighters for justice get anywhere in their David and Goliath struggle? Or will the System crush them, and indeed succeed in killing one or both of them? But one thing is for sure, the British 'justice system' will continue to become increasingly corrupted, since once the rot sets it, it is terminal unless someone courageous and true steps forward to put a stop to it. But I see no signs of such a person at the moment. Waiting for someone to save the British justice system seems about as hopeless a cause as waiting for Elvis to return from the dead and sing 'Blue Suede Shoes' live at Wembley Stadium. John Crowley has done a superb job of directing this gripping thriller, and all his cast have done just as well as he, to produce a cautionary film for our time, which deserves as wide an audience as possible.

With good performances and good chemistry from Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall, "Closed Circuit" is an exciting legal thriller that makes you wonder whether there may be something about those conspiracy theories that we have all heard since 9/11. Beautifully crafted, the film will keep you on the edge of your seat and inform you about the British legal system. If, toward the end, it turns a bit into the realm of make believe, it is all done in a way where the protagonists never seem so far fetched in their actions that all of a sudden the film turns into Mission Impossible. Everyone knows that this IS possible and it's what makes the film good.

A bomb explodes on Nov 30, 2012 in central London. Farroukh Erdogan is arrested. It's a semi hidden procedural run by the Attorney General (Jim Broadbent). Six months later, the defense lawyer Simon Fellowes commits suicide. Martin Rose (Eric Bana) takes over the case. Devlin (Ciarán Hinds) is Erdogen's solicitor. Claudia Simmons-Howe (Rebecca Hall) is the special advocate picked by Simon. Neither Martin nor Claudia are sure that she should stay especially since they had a secret affair. They are not supposed to meet each other once Claudia gets to see the secret evidence. Erdogan claims to have rented his lockup to the bomber Asif without knowing what was stored there. Joanna Reece (Julia Stiles) is a journalist doing a story on the case.

The past romance muddies up a perfectly fine spy thriller. The first half spends too much time with their personal drama which ends up not being very dramatic. I like the paranoia from the constant surveillance. It's the only exciting aspect of this movie. The mystery isn't much of anything especially since it's just revealed to audience with minimal misdirection. It's a passable thriller that could have been better.

With movies that have that strong sense of surveillance you do ask yourself if and how it would be even possible to fight against those odds. That's movie magic for you, that it leaves a chance. Is that the case here too? You'll have to watch it to see. But it's not the best movie that with a theme like that. There have been way better movies, but Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall do their best in this and hold it to a good standard overall.

Story moves along the lines you'd expect it to. Not too many "mistakes" or really crazy decisions by our characters, that might leave you bedazzled. The twist is pretty neat too. It's a tough topic, but obviously this pleads for a more open look behind the scenes of government and other official institutions. Will that happen? Is it interesting enough for a movie?