CLOSE MY EYES (1991)

Cast:	Alan Rickman, Clive Owen, Saskia Reeves, Karl Johnson, Leslie Sharp, Kate Gartside
Director:	Stephen Poliakoff
Producers:	Thérèse Pikard
Screenplay:	Stephen Poliakoff
Cinematography:	Witold Stok
Music:	Michael Gibbs
Approximate Running Time:	105 minutes
Warnings:	Taboo subjects, nudity, swearing
Rating:

Category: Drama

The Plot: Filthy rich and devoted husband, Sinclair Bryant (Alan Rickman) has the misfortune to meet and marry the self-centered and unhappy Natalie (Saskia Reeves). Natalie, feeling inferior to her intelligent and successful husband, seeks to bolster her self-esteem from other sources. At this point, her brother, Richard (Clive Owen), reappears in her life after years of working overseas. Natalie sees an opportunity and grabs it, irrespective of the taboo's of society.

Comment: Obviously out to shock the audience, Stephen Poliakoff (Writer/Director) has only succeeded in disappointing the audience with a poorly thought out plot. This is begins in the opening 10 minutes where a strong bond appears to exist between brother and sister, but suddenly, 5 years later, they barely even know eachother. Reeves comes across as a drab, dull, talentless Isabella Rossalini and the only reason I can think Owen got the role was the producers of this film were trying to find Britain's answer to Johnny Depp. Regrettably, Owen doesn't have the acting brilliance or onscreen charisma of Depp. And then there is the profound and obvious lack of chemistry between the brother and sister which adds a whole lack of credibility of their developing relationship.

However, rudely shoving reality aside, Alan Rickman as Sinclair Bryant is just about every thinking woman's fantasy man! He is rich, successful, constantly seeking out challenges in the world around him, stops to smell the roses, not only faithful and devoted to his wife but respects her, and lives in a rather beautiful part of the British countryside. Alan Rickman effortlessly slips into the shoes of Bryant and makes this character all the more lovable. To say that Rickman (and the spring countryside of England) are the only memorable things in this movie is an understatement, he IS the movie. The irony is his role actually turns what could have been a truly dreadful film into something bearable if only to see how his character reacts to the unfolding drama between sister and brother.

As to whether or not you should see this movie would depend on your level of tolerance. Certainly, the subject matter violates societies morals, no matter what one's religion is. It would be difficult to recommend Close My Eyes to anyone other than fans of Alan Rickman. There is no great plot, acting or tension to sell the rest of the film to anyone else.