The new film Closed Circuit attempts a modern update of the conspiracy thrillers of the 70’s. It’s a valiant effort and features an accomplished and effective cast, but the plot lacks a sense of excitement and mystery. Sadly, instead of being suspenseful, it comes off as a rather stodgy affair and may ultimately be tamer than the films it’s trying to emulate.
Martin Rose (Eric Bana) is an arrogant defense barrister assigned a very unusual, closed court case by the Attorney General (Jim Broadbent). Specifically, he’s appointed to represent the accused head of a terrorist cell leader charged with masterminding a London market bombing. Complications arise when Rose learns that Claudia Simmons-Howe (Rebecca Hall), with whom he previously had an extramarital affair, has been assigned to the defense as a Special Advocate. Her job involves specific evidence in the trial that can’t be released to public (including barrister Rose), due to government security concerns. While the two leads are not permitted to speak to each other during the course of the trail, they both begin to suspect that the government’s argument is suspicious and may be concealing a deeper conspiracy.
Of course, it soon becomes apparent that the leads are being observed with great interest by various parties and as a result can trust no one. They’re also at a professional risk should their personal relationship ever come to light. All in all, there’s a lot of dramatic potential, but the film takes a subtle approach and suffers for it. Early on, Rose notices that he’s constantly hiring the same cab to take him to locations, but it’s hardly comes across as particularly threatening or intimidating. And later, a character threatens to expose their personal relationship should they go against the grain. While this may be of serious concern in the real world, the stakes are hardly life or death.
Thankfully, after the trial starts the protagonists begin to present information that could expose the conspiracy. This results in a couple of nerve-wracking moments in the final third and a decent jolt or two via a couple of physical threats. There’s also great promise during the climax, as the leads try to get a witness to court while under the eye of surveillance cameras, MI5 and Secret Service agents, but these sequences aren’t maximized to the fullest.
In the same muted manner as the overall threat is presented, the romantic tension between Rose and Simmons-Howe is both overly subdued and at times borders on corny. Their moments onscreen alone are punctuated with musical accompaniment that feels like too much alongside the low-key performances. Ultimately, the entire film may take itself too seriously. There are a few moments of levity, but the plot could have used a dollop of bitingly grim black humor in place of the earnestness on display.
In all, the performances from the cast are very strong and once the conspiracy is in danger of being uncovered there are a few suspenseful moments. It just takes a bit too long to get to the good stuff, and as a thriller Closed Circuit feels just a bit too dry and stiff to really get the blood pumping.