Closer (2004)
-
68% of critics liked it
(202 reviews) -
80% of users liked it
(217,249 ratings)
Patrick Marber's acclaimed stage drama about the romantic interactions of four people has been given a reverent screen adaptation by director and producer Mike Nichols. Dan (Jude Law) is a writer in London who wants to finish a novel, but in the meantime supports himself by writing obituaries.… More Patrick Marber's acclaimed stage drama about the romantic interactions of four people has been given a reverent screen adaptation by director and producer Mike Nichols. Dan (Jude Law) is a writer in London who wants to finish a novel, but in the meantime supports himself by writing obituaries. One day he chances upon Alice (Natalie Portman), a beautiful young American expatriate, working as a stripper, when he sees her get hit by a car. Alice immediately falls for Dan, and gives him her love without reservation. Dan is initially enchanted with Alice, and returns her affection, but while she inspires him to write his novel (based on her life), her neediness begins to wear on him. Anna (Julia Roberts) is a photographer who is hired to take a portrait of Dan for the dust jacket of his book; Dan is attracted to her easy confidence, and while the two of them flirt, Anna soon (inadvertently through Dan's playful machinations) meets Larry (Clive Owen), a dermatologist, and marries him. Dan can't get Anna out of his mind even though she's married, and the two become lovers, but Dan is frustrated by the fact that Anna is reluctant to leave Larry for him. Patrick Marber wrote the screenplay for this adaptation of Closer; it was the playwright's first feature-film credit. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Mike Nichols
- Written By
- Patrick Marber
- Genres
- Drama
- In Theaters
- Dec 3, 2004 Wide
- Studio
- Sony Pictures
Critic Reviews
-
Todd McCarthy, Variety
Like dramas by Pinter and others, what seems trenchant and perfectly pitched in the theater can come off as arch even when skillfully transferred to film.
-
Dave Calhoun, Time Out
Owen and Portman give excellent, committed performances, leaving Law and Roberts in the shade.
-
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
Vibrates with eroticism, bruising laughs and dynamite performances from four attractive actors doing decidedly unattractive things.
-
Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press
If it makes you uncomfortable, or leaves you disturbed, it has only done its job.
-
Robert Denerstein, Denver Rocky Mountain News
Closer has lots to offer: smart performances, archly funny dialogue and a feeling for the way a group of strangers can become so familiar that they're apt to rip one another to shreds.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Cast
-
Julia Roberts
as Anna
-
Jude Law
as Dan
-
Natalie Portman
as Alice
-
Clive Owen
as Larry
-
Colin Stinton
as Customs Officer
-
Nick Hobbs
as Taxi Driver
- Jaclynn Tiffany Brown
- Michael Haley
- Peter Rnic
- Steve Benham
- Steve Morphew








