Closed Circuit (2013) User Reviews

Missed somethings

[rartioli_21 · 6/10 · 21 December 2014]

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.

A middle of the road thriller that slowly grows on you

[eddie_baggins · 6/10 · 15 October 2014]

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

Not the Thriller expected, but not bad

[bob-rutzel-1 · 5/10 · 8 February 2014]

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.

did the British government have anything to do with the low rating?

[bcheng93 · 7/10 · 2 March 2014]

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.

A flawed movie that deals with an important theme.

[PWNYCNY · 7/10 · 1 September 2013]

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.

Exciting thriller that makes us wonder...

[manuela goren · 20 August 2013]

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.

For The Conspiracy Theorists

[P3n-E-W1s3 · 7/10 · 10 March 2017]

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.

Revealing the truth or sparing the lives with a deal.

[Reno-Rangan · 7/10 · 14 August 2016]

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

How do you mess up a good hand?

[Rob-O-Cop · 5/10 · 24 December 2013]

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.

Enjoyable But

[damianphelps · 7/10 · 23 December 2021]

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.

You're so sly, but so am I

[onewhoseesme · 8/10 · 31 August 2013]

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/

Slow moving but the longer you watch the more you get sucked in. By the end I was so angry I wanted to throw stuff at TV.

[cosmo_tiger · 7/10 · 12 November 2013]

"Defense barristers who ask the wrong sorts of questions in this situation, well, they're sort of expendable aren't they?" After a terrorist attack hits London two former lovers Martin (Bana) and Claudia (Hall) find themselves having to work together to solve and prosecute the crime. What starts off as just a simple investigation soon becomes something much more sinister and full of lies, double crossings and murder. They not only have to bring the criminals to justice but also protect each other and those around them. After watching the last few "under the radar" terrorist movies Shadow Dancer and Reluctant Fundamentalist my expectations for this one were a little low. While this is the best one of the three it was also a little slow moving and really made more for a select group then the masses. I won't hold that against the movie because it is what it is. Unlike the other movies this one started off slow and I found it hard to get into but little by little it won me over and by the end I was feeling angry and upset at the outcome. I don't want to give anything away but being so close to the JFK anniversary it's both refreshing and disheartening to see another government control information on the grounds of "national security". All my political beliefs aside, of the three movies mentioned this is the best one but still really not anything amazing. Overall, a good but slow moving movie that takes a while to get going but by the end you are ready to throw stuff at the TV. I give it a B.

good sense of paranoia

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 29 July 2014]

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.

Let down of major proportions...

[Pretty-Wycked-Designs · 4/10 · 31 December 2013]

I had such high hopes for this movie as I am an avid Eric Bana fan. He is the only redeeming quality to this film. I thought I was going to watch a movie about espionage, and get some good insight into the British legal system, but I was woefully disappointed in this movie.

The beginning starts off with a bang, literally, and then we're thrust down the road after a bomb has gone off killing XX amount of people. The idea of this movie is great, but the reveals weren't that hard to guess, and neither was the plot wholly believable. It painted the British government in a pretty harsh light, and also made the legal system look like a farce.

I don't recommend this movie unless you want to lose some time of your life you're never going to get back, or unless you really love political thrillers and the main characters in the movie. The acting was solid, no complaints there, but the plot, direction, and reveals were sorely lacking in this film.

Conspiracy Theory

[sol- · 6/10 · 9 January 2017]

Appointed to defend a foreigner accused of planning an elaborate terrorist attack, two British lawyers become increasingly convinced that a government conspiracy is afoot and that their client is merely a scapegoat. Promising a premise as this might be, things are far more complex and convoluted here - something that renders 'Closed Circuit' more thought-provoking than the average conspiracy thriller but also far less intense and involving. With the past romantic history of the two lawyers, which they have to keep secret while working on the case together (why not admit it straight up?) without communicating with one another since part of the trial is being heard in closed court where only one of them is present, the film gets bogged down in so much exposition that there rarely is a chance for any sense of paranoia to develop. Considering the economical runtime (just over 90 minutes), it also often feels like too much time is dedicated to the drama between the lawyers as opposed to the drama that they are meant to be investigating... though the film actually overstays its welcome with an extraneous final scene. Comedy veteran actor Jim Broadbent is also a tad miscast in a role that a more sinister dramatic actor would usually play. Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall are at least solid in the main roles and they manage to carry the film through its less exciting patches. The film also deserves some marks for effectively including CCTV footage at several key points, if not quite as frequently as one might expect based on the very promising promotional posters.

Trust no one - especially the legal system

[gradyharp · 8/10 · 11 January 2014]

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

Disappointing, but it will always have London.

[JohnDeSando · 28 August 2013]

"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.

Can we open it?

[kosmasp · 6/10 · 31 December 2014]

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?

No flaws, nor strengths, Closed Circuit is a solid but unnecessary movie

[thefadingcam · 6/10 · 17 September 2013]

Closed Circuit is a very safe and solid movie about the trial of a terrorist that bombs the center of London, and the defense lawyers' line of strategy by the duo Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall. The directing is very good and the movie is a excellency in the genre, with mystery, thrills and a very interesting view on the British system of justice. The thing is that we have already seen this movie hundreds, thousands, of times, and it plays so secure and solid that it's hard to say that it is a great movie! It doesn't try anything new, feeling like a Lego puzzle that was built exactly accordingly to the instruction manual, so how could it be done wrong? It doesn't have flaws, nor does it really have strengths. It's well executed, and it has a very British feel with the city of London on the background, but that's the only soul the movie presents. Closed Circuit just wasn't necessary... Visit thefadingcam blog for more!

Unconvincing

[SwollenThumb · 7/10 · 29 April 2018]

Great premise but badly treated with unexplained jumps in logic and plot. Ultimately unconvincing. Director doesn't hold it all together. Why wasn't it called Closed Court? Again, movie just missing its target.

More like a short circuit.

[shawneofthedead · 3/10 · 5 February 2014]

Closed Circuit comes with a respectable pedigree – at least, it tries to. Its publicity campaign proudly proclaims that it's from the same producers who gave us the classy, intelligent, powerful and genuinely thrilling Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Ironically, that perhaps raises the bar a little too high – frankly, despite the best efforts of its cast, Closed Circuit is none of those things.

The premise sounds potentially great: there's been a terrorist attack in London's bustling Borough Market, the sole surviving suspect a Turkish immigrant by the name of Farroukh Erdogan (Denis Moschitto). When his defense lawyer dies unexpectedly, Martin Rose (Eric Bana) is called in to take over the case – but only in open court. Claudia Simmons-Howe (Rebecca Hall) is the lawyer appointed to represent Farroukh in private sessions, during which the government can reveal highly classified information in its case against him. Martin and Claudia are, strictly and legally speaking, forbidden to be in contact – a situation complicated by a romantic dalliance in their recent past.

There are a host of timely issues boiling away in the script: government conspiracies, privacy of information and the liberties taken in the name of national security are all packed into the plot. On paper, it's fascinating. It even starts off well enough, the horrible incident in question captured chillingly in frame after frame of security camera footage. The bare bones of the plot are recognisably realistic – it's possible to imagine something like this playing out in real life.

In practice, however, Closed Circuit is criminally bland and poorly- executed. The stakes are high, certainly, but it's hard to feel very much for the characters when they speak and behave in such preposterously predictable ways. By the end, what should be a smart, intense exploration of extremely current issues devolves into a dumb chase flick. The ending is so ludicrous it makes much of the plodding first half of the film seem genius in comparison.

Credit is nevertheless due to the cast, who soldier dutifully on through the hardly subtle machinations of the script. Bana and Hall both muster up way more dedication and commitment to the script than it strictly warrants. Riz Ahmed, as Claudia's MI5 contact, is reliably good in one of the more intriguing – if undercooked – roles in the film. Jim Broadbent is a delight as the sinister Attorney-General, playing against his generally cheerful screen image to great effect.

Unfortunately, Closed Circuit doesn't really prove itself to be worthy of their efforts. When it should thrill, it frustrates. The questions it asks are vital and important but, in this film, they feel pointless and shrugged-aside. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy sent its audiences home with questions, ideas and a sense of the dark, brutal tragedy of lives corrupted by secrets. Closed Circuit might make you wonder why you bothered to head into the cinema in the first place.

surveillance state

[lee_eisenberg · 6/10 · 2 January 2015]

Edward Snowden's revelations of the NSA's sweeping espionage program brought domestic surveillance to the public eye, which makes John Crowley's "Closed Circuit" all the more relevant. It probably got filmed before Snowden's revelations, but its depiction of a terrorism trial also correlates to the trial of the Tsarnaev brothers (charged with perpetrating the bombing of the Boston Marathon). The multiple cameras give a sense of this surveillance, especially since the British government has become a US proxy in Europe. What Eric Bana's and Rebecca Hall's barristers learn in the process of defending the suspect still pales in comparison to the scope of the surveillance. I recommend this movie and also "Citizenfour".

Cure For Insomnia

[utgard14 · 5/10 · 23 March 2014]

I envy all of the reviewers who took away something meaningful and intellectually satisfying from this tedious bore of a movie. I suppose there are some who are looking at this as a "message movie." For those viewers, I'm sure this film has merit. For those, like me, who want to be entertained by our movies then you're crap out of luck with this one. If the goal of this movie is to be suspenseful or thrilling, then it fails miserably. If the goal is to hammer home the fear of government, military, surveillance, etc. or put you to sleep trying, then good job. Too bad they couldn't do that with a more exciting story. They actually managed to make fear-mongering boring.

Intense, suspenseful but most importantly of all, it leaves you thinking.

[among-the-wildflowers · 10/10 · 2 September 2013]

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.

Decent legal drama with some action

[TdSmth5 · 6/10 · 23 August 2014]

Via surveillance cameras we observe as life happens on some street. A trucks parks. Suddenly it all blows up. It's a terrorist attack.

Quickly English security forces raid homes and get the terrorist. He's about to go on trial. Curiously, his defense attorney commits suicide. Now a lawyer named Michael gets the assignment. As there's secret evidence to be presented that might endanger national security, a defense advocate is assigned named Claudia. She will be present to argue whether the defense should get access to the evidence. But she's not allowed to communicate with the defense in any way. It turns out she and Michael have had an affair in the past. Presumably it destroyed his marriage. When asked by the judge if they know each other, they lie.

They both separately interview the suspect in jail. He doesn't really want to participate in his defense. Both, his attorney and the advocate quickly come to the conclusion that he's actually a government puppet, a patsy. That off course would have grave implications for it would mean the government itself is responsible for the terrorist attack. Now they are both followed. The advocate realized the terrorist's son has some evidence that could get the government in trouble. She calls him as a witness. But he realizes that his "security" is up to no good so he escapes. Now finally, both Michael and Claudia get over their differences and work together to protect the kid and make his information public. But the government does still have some tricks up its sleeve.

Closed Circuit, doesn't have much to do with surveillance or high octane action as it was marketed. It's is an interesting legal drama with a bit of action thrown in the mix. Its premise is very strong--a false flag operation gone wrong/a government handled "terrorist" gone rogue. In fact, an action drama movie with this very theme would make one compelling movie, but such a movie remains to be made. Unfortunately, Closed Circuit goes for the legal drama instead and it's not very dramatic. The resolution, while unusual, makes the whole movie quite pointless. It handles politics nevertheless quite well and we learn once again just how ruthless and irresponsible governments are. I suspect the internal logic of the movie doesn't work at all. Nevertheless, it's an enjoyable movie as long as you're not looking for faults, because there are plenty.