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. It was considered so controversial that an advertising campaign cancelled the 26-year-old Owen’s contract.
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.Īlso in the cast are Karl Johnson, Lesley Sharp, Kate Gartside and Niall Buggy.Ĭlose 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.
The wily actor Rickman does so much more with less of a part than his co-stars, but they do make an impression too. As screen-writer, he makes some sure points but has trouble carving out his story or even fully establishing his characters. 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.Īs 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. 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). The story begins at the point where the film ends.Close My Eyes *** (1991, Clive Owen, Saskia Reeves, Alan Rickman) – Classic Movie Review 7099 O'Hara ? Severus Snape ? Sinclair Bryant ? Sheriff Nottingham ? Alexander Dane ? Metatron ? Elliot Marston ? Lionel Shahbandar ? Just a bunch of one shots and stories of my favorite Alan Rickman Characters!Ĭolonel Christopher Brandon ? Hans Gruber ? Harry Trevor ? Judge Turpin ?⚖️ P.L.