Cast
View AllEric Bana
as Martin Rose
Rebecca Hall
as Claudia Simmons-Howe
Ciarán Hinds
as Devlin
Jim Broadbent
as Attorney General
Kenneth Cranham
as Cameron Fischer
Isaac Hempstead Wright
as Tom Rose
Julia Stiles
as Joanna Reece
Anne-Marie Duff
as Melissa
Riz Ahmed
as Nazrul Sharma
Denis Moschitto
as Farroukh Erdogan
Jemma Powell
as Elizabeth
Doug Allen
as Ryan
Barbora Bobuľová
as Piccola
Kate Lock
as Mother
Katherine Press
as Pregnant Daughter
Crew
Director
- John Crowley
Producer
- Chris Clark
- Tim Bevan
- Eric Fellner
Reviews
Reno
> Revealing the truth or sparing the lives with a deal.
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
Aug 18, 2016
Charles Tatum
Brisk political thriller has two ex-lovers (Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall) trying to defend an alleged terrorist (Denis Moschitto), and getting caught up in a deep state conspiracy that threatens their lives. When this came out, it was dismissed as average intrigue that had been done before, and better. When viewed after almost a decade, the idea of a deep state tracking your every move and eliminating threats to its existence for the good of the many isn't so far-fetched. The film is directed and performed well. The screenplay doesn't go overboard with superhero action pieces, building a tense paranoia organically, and the two leads make their situation compelling and watchable. A few pacing issues keep this from being THE political thriller of the new millennium, but it is a strong contender. Content Warning: Physical violence, profanity, adult situations, drug references, alcohol and tobacco use
Mar 6, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Closed Circuit examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director John Crowley brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2013, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Closed Circuit took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 35 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 2127 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Closed Circuit shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike On Deadly Ground, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Closed Circuit subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Philadelphia and The Rock explore similar territory, Closed Circuit stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 28, 2013
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Revenue: $5,750,401