🪶 Story & Synopsis
“Closed Circuit” is a 2013 political thriller drama film directed by John Crowley and written by Steven Knight. The movie stars Eric Bana, Rebecca Hall, Riz Ahmed, Ciarán Hinds, and Jim Broadbent. The story revolves around a terrorist attack in London that leads to the capture of suspect Farroukh Erdogan, played by Denis Moschitto. The attorney general appoints Claudia Simmons-Howe, portrayed by Rebecca Hall, as a special advocate on Erdogan’s legal team. On the eve of the trial, Erdogan’s lawyer dies, and a new defense attorney, Martin Rose, played by Eric Bana, steps in. Martin and Claudia share a hidden past as former lovers, adding a layer of complexity to the case.
As Martin delves into building his case, he uncovers a dark conspiracy that puts both him and Claudia in grave danger. The plot thickens as they navigate through a web of deceit and secrecy, trying to uncover the truth behind the terrorist attack and the real motives at play. The tension escalates as they race against time to unravel the sinister forces working against them.
The movie explores themes of government duplicity, cover-ups, and the consequences of sacrificing transparency for secrecy. While the film starts with a strong premise, it struggles to maintain its momentum, losing some steam in the middle and culminating in a somewhat weak finale. The lack of warm, empathetic characters and the absence of traditional heroes make the ending feel anticlimactic.
Despite its shortcomings, “Closed Circuit” manages to entertain by creating a palpable sense of tension and suspense. The story’s focus on the cover-up and the struggle for truth keeps viewers engaged, even though some of the twists and turns may feel predictable. The film’s portrayal of a closed circuit, where secrets and currents flow through the interconnected characters, adds to the overall intrigue of the narrative.
While the acting may come off as cheesy and the cinematography unremarkable, the movie effectively highlights the repercussions of suppressing the truth and the dangers of operating in the shadows. The presence of a talented cast and crew, including screenwriter Steven Knight and director John Crowley, elevates the film despite its flaws.
Overall, “Closed Circuit” is a decent suspense thriller that delves into the complexities of a high-profile legal case intertwined with political intrigue and personal relationships. It may not be groundbreaking, but it offers a thought-provoking look at the consequences of hidden agendas and the price of seeking justice in a world where secrets reign supreme.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Eric Bana, Rebecca Hall, Ciarán Hinds, Riz Ahmed, Anne-Marie Duff, Kenneth Cranham, Julia Stiles, Jim Broadbent, Denis Moschitto, Barbora Bobulova, Jemma Powell
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Riz Ahmed | MI5 Agent Nazrul Sharma |
| Doug Allen | Ryan |
| Eric Bana | Defense Barrister Martin Rose (named Vickers in earlier versions) |
| Barbora Bobuľová | Piccola |
| Jim Broadbent | Attorney General of England and Wales |
| Kenneth Cranham | Cameron Fischer |
| Anne-Marie Duff | MI5 Agent Melissa Fairbright |
| Rebecca Hall | Special Advocate Claudia Simmons-Howe |
| Isaac Hempstead-Wright | Tom Rose |
| Ciarán Hinds | Devlin |
| John Humphrys | himself |
| Denis Moschitto | Farroukh Erdogan/Mussi Kartal |
| Jemma Powell | Elizabeth |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Hey there, movie buffs! Grab your popcorn and cozy up for a thrilling ride as we dive into the world of Closed Circuit. Imagine a courtroom drama mixed with a dash of mystery and a sprinkle of suspense – that’s the recipe for this film!
So, let’s talk about this flick that has been buzzing around town. Closed Circuit may not be based on a true story, but it certainly grips you with its high-profile case and secretive trial. With Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall at the helm as ex-lovers turned lawyers, you know you’re in for some intense legal drama.
Now, let’s dissect this movie piece by piece like a forensic expert examining evidence in court:
- Plot: The storyline starts strong, drawing you in with its intriguing premise of a secret trial. However, as the plot unfolds, it loses some steam in the middle and falters towards the end. The attempts to shed light on flaws in the justice system and the war on terror feel somewhat superficial.
- Themes and Tone: Closed Circuit aims to be smart and controversial but falls short of hitting the mark. The film plays out like a cut-price version of a Le Carré novel, with fuzzy storytelling and garbled plot points.
- Acting and Characters: Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall deliver solid performances, portraying the complexities of their characters’ past relationship while navigating the high-stakes legal battle. Supporting cast members like Jim Broadbent and Julia Stiles add depth to the ensemble.
- Direction: The direction of Closed Circuit is handsomely crafted, showcasing a mix of settings from prestigious courtrooms to bustling immigrant neighborhoods. However, some scenes could have benefited from tighter pacing.
- Cinematography: The cinematography captures the tension of courtroom proceedings effectively, utilizing close-ups and wide shots to immerse viewers in the legal drama unfolding on screen.
- Production Design: The production design brings authenticity to the various settings depicted in the film, creating a realistic backdrop for the characters’ legal battles.
- Special Effects: While Closed Circuit doesn’t rely heavily on special effects, it effectively uses them to enhance key moments of suspense and intrigue throughout the story.
- Editing and Pace: The editing could have been tighter in certain sequences to maintain momentum and keep audiences fully engaged. Some parts feel draggy which affects the overall pace of the film.
- Dialog:The dialogues are sharp at times but lack consistency throughout. There are moments where exchanges between characters feel forced or clichéd.
Binge-watching Tips: If you’re into crime dramas with a legal twist, give Closed Circuit a watch for its gripping performances by Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall. Just be prepared for some narrative bumps along the way!
In conclusion, despite its shortcomings, Closed Circuit manages to deliver an engaging if somewhat flawed legal thriller experience. So grab your gavel (or remote control) and judge for yourself!
Ratings: 6/10
Remember folks, justice may be blind but it sure knows how to keep us on our toes! Happy watching!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong start | Weak finale |
| Good suspense | Loses momentum in the middle |
| Handsomely made with diverse settings | Derivative and unoriginal |
| Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall’s performances | Superficial insights into justice system and war against terror |
| Interesting premise of secret trial | Not as smart or controversial as it aims to be |
Feedback
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Closed Circuit (2013) - IMDb
- PWNYCNY
- Sep 1, 2013
- How long is Closed Circuit?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- Замкнутий ланцюг
- Filming locations
- London, Greater London, England, UK(location)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $15,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $5,750,401
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $2,464,931
- Sep 1, 2013
- Gross worldwide
- $6,331,939
- Runtime1 hour 36 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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Closed Circuit (2013 film) - Wikipedia
Closed Circuit(2013 film)
Closed Circuit Directed by John Crowley Written by Steven Knight Produced by Tim Bevan Eric FellnerChris Clark
Starring Eric Bana Rebecca HallRiz AhmedCiarán HindsJim Broadbent
Cinematography Adriano Goldman Edited by Lucia Zucchetti Music by Joby Talbot Productioncompany
Distributed by Focus Features (United States) Universal Pictures (United Kingdom)
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Closed Circuit (2013) | Rotten Tomatoes
Slick and well acted,Closed Circuitunfortunately never quite works up a full head of steam, with a plot that’s alternately predictable and full of holes.
Closed CircuitWhere to WatchClosed Circuit
Rent Closed Circuit on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.
What to KnowCritics ReviewsAudience ReviewsMy RatingCast & Crew
John CrowleyDirectorEric BanaMartinRebecca HallClaudiaCiarán HindsDevlinJim BroadbentAttorney GeneralRiz AhmedNazrul Sharma
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Closed Circuit movie review & film summary (2013) | Roger Ebert
There are, of course, worse movies out there right now than “Closed Circuit” but I daresay that few are as disappointing. As I suspect is the case with most viewers, I could certainly use a smart, adult thriller fueled by real-world concerns after a summer of mindless frivolities and the chance to see the perennially underrated Rebecca Hall in a lead role is a welcome bonus in my book. Sadly, both the premise and the cast are wasted on a final product that seems determined to redefine the phrase “humdrum.” Too bad—what a waste of a perfectly good opening shot.Advertisement
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the heart-pounding political thriller “Closed Circuit,” viewers are taken on a suspenseful journey alongside defense barrister Martin Rose (Eric Bana) and Special Advocate Claudia Simmons-Howe (Rebecca Hall) as they unravel a complex web of deceit and corruption within a high-profile bombing case.
As the plot thickens, Martin discovers a shocking truth about his unwitting role in the manipulation orchestrated by powerful government figures to sway the case in their favor. This revelation forces Martin to confront his own moral compass and ultimately make a daring decision.
In a gripping finale, Martin chooses to expose the corruption, risking everything he holds dear, including his career and personal safety. The film concludes with Martin walking away from his past life, leaving behind the familiar to pursue justice and truth.
The ending of “Closed Circuit” leaves viewers with a sense of ambiguity regarding Martin’s future. Some may see his actions as heroic, standing up against injustice, while others may question the impact of his revelations on the system. The open-ended conclusion also leaves Claudia’s fate uncertain, hinting at a potential confrontation or reconciliation between the two characters.
This thought-provoking thriller challenges audiences to contemplate the complexities of morality, justice, and the sacrifices one is willing to make for the truth. With its intricate plot and compelling characters, “Closed Circuit” captivates viewers till the very end, prompting reflection on themes of corruption and the pursuit of righteousness long after the screen fades to black.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
R
Age Rating:
Closed Circuit movie is rated R for restricted. Children under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian. Contains some adult material. Parents are urged to learn more about the film before taking their young children with them.
Parental Guide:
Sex & Nudity:
The movie contains a brief scene implying sexual activity between two characters. There are no explicit nudity scenes.
Violence & Gore:
There are scenes of violence throughout the movie, including shootings, explosions, and tense moments related to terrorism. Some blood and injuries are shown, but there are no graphic gore scenes.
Profanity:
There is moderate profanity throughout the film, including the use of F-words, S-words, and other strong language.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking:
Characters are seen drinking alcohol in social settings. There are no depictions of drug use or smoking in the movie.
Frightening & Intense Scenes:
The movie includes intense and suspenseful scenes related to a terrorism case, which may be unsettling for some viewers.
Overall, Closed Circuit is a political thriller drama with mature themes and content that may not be suitable for younger audiences. Parents are advised to preview the movie and consider its themes before allowing their teenagers to watch it.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Prime Video | You can rent or buy Closed Circuit on Prime Video. |
| Movies Anywhere | Purchase Closed Circuit on Movies Anywhere to stream instantly or download offline. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
Confidential conversations are transcribed and filed away.
I used to get angry. Rather than help people who were trying to help me, I'd just say nothing as a way of getting my own back, even though the only person I was really hurting was myself.
I needed a cigarette. Patches don't work for me, my skin's too thick. Comes from working with bastards like you.
I'm going through a vicious divorce at the moment and will soon be penniless.
Martin, be careful.
And that's where it all went wrong. That's why the secret is lethal.
Can I sit between two people who hate each other? I like to come as a relief.
There is doubt.
You blame yourself.
For the next bit, you tell me that uhm... the law needs men of integrity.
🤖Closed Circuit Reddit Talks
Closed Circuit (2013) is a legal thriller film directed by John Crowley and starring Eric Bana, Rebecca Hall, and Ciarán Hinds. The film follows the story of two ex-lovers who find themselves on opposite sides of a high-profile terrorism case.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the performances of Bana and Hall but criticizing the film’s plot and pacing. However, the film was a box office success, grossing over $100 million worldwide.
On Reddit, the film has been discussed in a number of subreddits, including r/movies, r/flickdirect, and r/newmoviesdiscussion. The most common topics of discussion include:
- The film’s plot and pacing: Some Redditors praised the film’s plot, calling it “gripping” and “suspenseful.” However, others criticized the film’s pacing, saying that it was “too slow” and “uneven.”
- The performances of Bana and Hall: Many Redditors praised the performances of Bana and Hall, saying that they were “excellent” and “believable.” Some Redditors even said that Bana and Hall were the only things that kept the film from being a complete disaster.
- The film’s political message: Some Redditors discussed the film’s political message, saying that it was a “timely” and “important” film. However, others criticized the film’s political message, saying that it was “too heavy-handed” and “preachy.”
Overall, the Reddit discussions of Closed Circuit are mixed. Some Redditors enjoyed the film, while others found it to be disappointing. However, there is no doubt that the film is a well-made and thought-provoking thriller that is worth watching for fans of the genre.
Here are some specific examples of Reddit discussions about Closed Circuit:
- In a discussion on r/movies, one Redditor said: “I thought Closed Circuit was a well-made and suspenseful thriller. The performances of Bana and Hall were excellent, and the film’s political message was timely and important.”
- In a discussion on r/flickdirect, one Redditor said: “I found Closed Circuit to be a disappointment. The plot was slow and uneven, and the political message was too heavy-handed. However, the performances of Bana and Hall were excellent, and they were the only things that kept the film from being a complete disaster.”
- In a discussion on r/newmoviesdiscussion, one Redditor said: “I thought Closed Circuit was a solid thriller. The plot was gripping, the performances were excellent, and the political message was thought-provoking. However, I did find the film’s pacing to be a bit too slow at times.”
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/MovieSuggestions/comments/1tsp7o/request_movies_similar_to_closed_circuit_2013/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/1kodfy/closed_circuit_star_eric_bana_admits_hes_a_smart/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/boutiquebluray/comments/17rjan7/severin_black_friday_announcement_3_closed/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/davidfosterwallace/comments/3ew76h/david_foster_wallaces_closed_circuit/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/FlickDirect/comments/10jkm3a/closed_circuit_movie_film_review/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Closed Circuit movie based on a true story?
It looks like the Closed Circuit movie is based on real events, but there is no indication in the opening or end of the film confirming this. The movie follows Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall as ex-lovers and lawyers who take on a high-profile case involving a secret trial.
What is the movie Closed Circuit about?
In the context of the film, a closed circuit refers to a circuit in which the path is complete, and there is a flow of current in the entire path. The Closed Circuit (2013) movie is a political thriller drama directed by John Crowley and written by Steven Knight. It revolves around a high-profile terrorism case that brings together two ex-lovers on the defense team, testing their loyalties and putting their lives at risk.
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