Closed Circuit

Dir: John Crowley

2013

***

What starts out as a very shaky example of continuity done badly, soon turns out to be quite an intriguing suspense, albeit with an unremarkable conclusion. It is brilliantly written by Steven Knight, one of the most interesting screenwriters working today, it's just a bit bland when it comes to the direction. I'm glad they haven't thrown lots of bells and whistles at it, and it does remain eerily believable, it's just that there are one too many clichés thrown around that get in the way of all the really clever bits. Eric Bana is miscast, his terrible English accent is a distraction, which is unfortunate when compared to Rebecca Hall's fantastic performance. Quite why Bana's character, a moody and unlikable defence barrister, has to canoe to work (along the Thames) and lives in shed on the shores of the east end docks is unclear, other than maybe that is considered 'edgy' but for me it’s an example of that weird cliché that suggests that great lawyers/detectives either live on a boat or drive a really old car for no other reason than because they are 'different', 'single-minded' and somehow likable because of these things. Looking beyond all that nonsense though is a very chilling plot that is so believable, it's all rather disturbing. If your geography of London is anywhere above intermediate this film will annoy you greatly but if you aren't naive enough to believe that everything our secret service does is above-board, then you will find your ears will prick up. Dodgy performances, bad continuity and a clearly below-average budget can't keep a good story down and it the heart of Closed Circuit is a good story. There is so much I disliked about it if I'm being honest but I still found it rather enthralling. Full of intrigue and suspense, two great supporting performances from Riz Ahmed and Jim Broadbent and a bleak conclusion make for quite the entertaining thriller.