Movie Review: Closer

Since it began playing for reviewers and Oscar voters, Closer has been splitting its audiences.

Some hail the drama's riveting performances, particularly by Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. Others say the film is so dark, it's unenjoyable.

The public has responded in much the same way. The Mike Nichols film opened at $7.7 million this weekend, according to estimates from box office trackers Nielsen EDI.

The haul is nearly $3 million more than analysts expected, and the film took sixth place with a healthy $16,176 per screen on 476 screens.

But word of mouth may be another matter. According to audience polling firm CinemaScore, the movie averaged only a D-plus with moviegoers, which could undercut the film as it rolls out nationwide in the coming weeks.

Critics were not so divided: About 68% of the nation's reviewers recommended the film, according to rottentomatoes.com.

Closer leads a pack of Oscar-contending movies to arrive in December. The Aviator, Spanglish, Hotel Rwanda and Million Dollar Baby hit theaters this month in the hopes of building Oscar momentum. The awards will be handed out Feb. 27.

Part of that momentum will come from public support. Other contenders are playing well with audiences: The $20 million Ray has taken in $67.8 million. The independent film Sideways has earned $12.5 million playing on fewer than 500 screens. Finding Neverland has brought in $11.7 million on 526 screens. Poor word of mouth for Closer could spell trouble for its best-picture chances.

''Oscar loves uplifting stories,'' says Tom O'Neil of the awards handicapping site GoldDerby.com. ''This movie has outstanding performances, but it's so dark that a best-picture nomination could be a long shot.''

Distributor Sony Pictures says that grade is only part of the picture.

''This is a daring and provocative movie, and (the grade) is indicative that it's evoking different reactions in people,'' distribution chief Rory Bruer says. ''People feel very strongly about it. Those that like the movie like it a lot. We're thrilled with the weekend and that people are talking about this film.''