Close My Eyes *** (1991, Clive Owen, Saskia Reeves, Alan Rickman) – Classic Movie Review 7099

Writer-director Stephen Poliakoff’s provocative, controversial 1991 British drama film Close My Eyes stars Clive Owen as Richard, an architect who is very close to his older sister Natalie (Saskia Reeves), who is married to a wealthy financial adviser, Sinclair (Alan Rickman). As the sister goes upmarket, Owen’s Richard gives up his yuppie lifestyle to go green. Richard begins a taboo sexual relationship with Natalie but Sinclair finds out.

As film-maker, Poliakoff contrasts what he sees as the soulless futurism of the London Docklands with his view of the beautiful English Home Counties countryside. As screen-writer, he makes some sure points but has trouble carving out his story or even fully establishing his characters.

The wily actor Rickman does so much more with less of a part than his co-stars, but they do make an impression too. However, despite its shortcomings, this remains a bold, challenging and intriguing film, valuable for reaching out into areas of ideas and personal feelings that we do not find discussed in the cinema much these days – certainly not the British cinema.

Also in the cast are Karl Johnson, Lesley Sharp, Kate Gartside and Niall Buggy.

Close My Eyes is directed by Stephen Poliakoff, runs 107 minutes, is made by Film Four International and Beambright, is released by Artificial Eye, is written by Stephen Poliakoff, is shot by Witold Stok, is produced by Thérèse Pickard, is scored by Michael Gibbs and is designed by Luciana Arrighi.

It was considered so controversial that an advertising campaign cancelled the 26-year-old Owen’s contract. Probably the film’s 18-certificate, R-rated strong sensuality, incest theme, nudity and strong language might have been another factor. Owen was starring in the Central TV hit Chancer (1990–1991) at the time.

RIP much missed Alan Rickman, who died on 14 January 2016, aged 69.

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 7099

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com

Clive Owen in Close My Eyes (1991).

Clive Owen and Saskia Reeves in Close My Eyes (1991).