CLOSED CIRCUIT

The compelling British crime thriller CLOSED CIRCUIT presents valid questions and concerns regarding government surveillance and corruption. In light of the N.S.A.’s recent infringements on civilian privacy in the name of “security”, this movie couldn’t premiere at a better time. Though CLOSED CIRCUIT is set in Britain’s judicial system, the principles and concerns are equally valid to those in the U.S.

CLOSED CIRCUIT takes place in London when a car bomb explodes in a busy market, killing over 100 civilians. Only one member of the alleged terrorist cell remains: Farroukh Edogan, who is arrested and jailed.

Set to be Britain’s most important trial in history, the prosecution declares the evidence so classified that neither the defendant nor his lawyers are allowed to see it. Thus, the attorney general is forced to appoint a government approved special advocate (Claudia Howe) for the defendant with clearance to see classified information. The rules state that once Claudia sees the classified information, she is not allowed to share it with anyone, including the defendant and defense team.

Just as the case is about to go to trial, the defendant commits suicide. The new defense attorney, Martin Rose, steps into the case with no clue. Martin, both a smart, driven attorney, and Claudia’s ex-lover, steps into the uncomfortable situation. As Martin and Claudia separately delve into the evidence, they uncover a government scandal that forces them to work together. Though, with their every move being monitored, can they do so without drawing suspicion, or even danger to their lives?

CLOSED CIRCUIT asks all the right questions regarding the justice department and governmental cover-ups, without falling into overdramatized paranoia. It questions whether government can discard due process and have closed trials in the name of national security. The movie is successfully both compelling and intriguing with smart dialogue and a convincing cast. The brilliant editing and direction gives the audience just enough information to see where the story is going without divulging the twists. The movie does fail to provide a fully satisfying ending, likely left open-ended so the audience reflects on their own government’s shady actions. This is effective, but not as strong as screenwriter Steven Knight’s other work, including Movieguide® Award Winner AMAZING GRACE.

This movie has a mixed worldview, with both moral themes and pagan aspects. Claudia and Martin get caught in a difficult situation and at one point decide they’d rather live than unveil the government’s dirty secrets. When a young boy’s life is thrown into jeopardy, they decide to pursue justice and put their own lives in danger. At a funeral, a priest mentions that all of us need God. This statement has no impact on our protagonists who, in fact, lead a pagan lifestyle. Martin’s marriage was ruined because of a past affair he had with Claudia.

CLOSED CIRCUIT barely earns an R rating with several “f” words that could have easily been left out. The gore is minimal, though we do see an explosion and someone get strangled. This warrants extreme caution for CLOSED CIRCUIT.