Closer Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES PLOT SUMMARY
Set in London, England, good Samaritan Dan Wolf (Jude Law), a struggling writer, takes Alice Ayres (Natalie Portman), a shady young woman and part-time stripper, to the hospital when she's hit by a car, and they fall in love. One year later, Dan meets photographer Anna Cameron (Julie Roberts) and tries to pick her up, but she rebuffs him. In revenge, Dan sets Anna up for an embarrassing encounter with sex-addicted dermatologist Larry Bagley (Clive Owen), but the two end up seeing each other. Then another year later, Dan and Anna begin an affair of their own, and relationships between the four collapse. Over the next year, all of them become obsessed with hurting each other and wreak some heavy emotional damage. Will any of them be strong enough to put this destructive sequence of events to a stop?
| Natalie Portman | Alice |
| Jude Law | Dan |
| Julia Roberts | Anna |
| Clive Owen | Larry |
| Nick Hobbs | Taxi Driver |
| Bret Yount | Customs Officer |
| Steve Benham | Car driver |
| Daniel Dresner | Coughing Man |
| Antony Gabriel | Luke |
| Michael Haley | Smoking Man |
| Steve Morphew | Bartender |
| Abdul Popoola | Doctor |
| Animesh Raval | Guy at Exhibition |
| Peter Rnic | Bodyguard |
| Mike Nichols |
7.40 out of 10 (59290 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Brilliant - film of the year
posted on 28 Aug 2009What a magnificent movie, the performances of the 4 main players were all superb. I see that Julia Roberts gets voted as 4th best, but this is a 'close' call. They were all superb.I could sit and watch those scenes over and over again. The icing on the cake, the cherry, the sixpence in the pudding was the music - awesome. Damien Rice's Blowers Daughter is such a meaningful and appropriate theme.Whilst some viewers may have been put off by the super coarse language in some scenes this is a film set in London, that is how the players would have spoken, it was gritty and real yet poetic and beautiful. Closer is a simple yet rich film about life, lives and love, it is amazing.Each actor deserved the plaudits they rightly received, it's now out on DVD - get down to your local retailer, buy a copy, sit down and watch it...again and again and again.Brilliant - film of the year, and next year etc etc
Why are people coming down so hard on it?
posted on 26 Aug 2009I went to see Closer with two of my friends and both of them said they hated it cause it was too depressing, which was the whole point of the movie. People are really bashing this movie cause it's about sex, betrayal and other stuff that's not exactly moral. But the movie isn't preaching morals to anyone nor is it saying that adultery is OK. In the film, adultery is portrayed as something that comes with severe consequences and certainly doesn't promote anything- it's just depicting one situation in which these themes are involved.The acting is great all around, especially Natalie Portman (I almost forgave the Star Wars movies) and Clive Owen (I almost forgave King Arthur). Julia is OK- she's never been my favorite but she's decent here. Saying this as a fan of Jude Law, I think his performance here is completely overshadowed by Owen and Portman. It's still good but not as good as we've seen him before (primarily Talented Mr. Ripley and Road to Perdition). He seems to do so much better in supporting roles for whatever reason.
well written boring tripe
posted on 26 Aug 2009I found this a film that a person would either love or hate; I hated it. When we walked out during the middle of film we had to wait in line behind the others leaving at the same time. I rate this film along the same line as "Lost in Translation" well written, well acted, well intentioned but very very boring. If you have trouble sleeping at night and counting sheep doesn't cut it anymore, get comfortable, pop this movie in the DVD player and then be prepared to get the best nights sleep you've had in years. In closing if you liked "lost in Translation", then you'll like "Closer"; otherwise stay away. This movie was as close to pornography without the fun, as close to an atom bomb without getting that rush of refreshing fresh air.
Who cares about these self-absorbed losers?
posted on 24 Aug 2009Another movie about thoroughly unlikeable people willing to destroy other human beings for their own personal gratification; how utterly delightful. I generally like Julia Roberts, and think Jude Law is sensational, but I cannot get excited about an actor's skill in roles such as these. I don't want to know these people, I don't have any empathy for their mutually inflicted wounds, and anyone who believes this is "real", this is how it is, relationships always go like this is suffering the well-deserved maladies of the "I'm my hero" generation. There are actually real live people in this world who care about each other, who try not to hurt each other, who worry about what the "other" in their unit of two wants so that they can satisfy that need. This is sick, Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice after 35 years of casual sex, multiple pairings and self indulgence has left them rolling in the gutter, exhausted and disgusted with themselves and each other.
why do we watch movies about these people?early scene spoiler
posted on 20 Aug 2009Why do we watch movies about unlikable people with the sexual appetites of cats in heat? Who makes these things? While I enjoy a sexy movie, even a movie about sex, I need to be able to connect to someone in the cast, to care about whether or not they make it through the day. With this film there was no one with whom to connect. They just didn't make it.To be honest I thought that I was going to like Anna the character played by Julia Roberts from the way she talked and moved in her first scene, but when she "fell for" the doctor character who met her because (and she knew this)her ex had set him up via a sex chat room. I mean who would be attracted to some vermin who had recently in his mind had cyber sex with her? (now if she had been playing that would have been different).Anyhow, if you haven't seen it, don't.
Closer was very realistic
posted on 20 Aug 2009I really enjoyed the film "Closer". I thought that it portrayed relationships and human feelings well. I think that the dialogue might've been a little over-dramatic, but the situations were definitely true to life. It makes you feel better about a bad relationship(s), because you can see that other people suffer as well. My favorite part was when Natalie Portman's Alice overheard a conversation near the beginning, and told Julia Robert's Anna "just take my picture!" A tear slid down her cheek then, and you could tell that she was hurt. I think that a lot of people can get something out of "Closer", and really relate to it. It's simply a wonderful portrait of human deception, lies, and suffering. I would recommend "Closer" to anybody, but it's not a date movie if that's what you're in the mood for. In "Closer", you can see how people intenionally try to hurt other people. I think that Natalie Portman did the best job in her role as the stripper Alice. You will think about "Closer" long after you've left the movie theatre. This will stay with you forever, and you will always think back to it in hard times with relationships. All in all, "Closer" is very true to life and a classic original film!
And so it is
posted on 18 Aug 2009Of the four protagonists in Closer, Clive Owen's Larry is perhaps the most direct...he likens his being with Julia Roberts' Anna as "the princess with the toad". Told that it is a frog, not a toad, he insists "toad". And as the movie continues, we realize that he was correctly describing himself right from the first, warts and all.Two other people - Jude Law as the aptly named Dan Wolf - and Nathalie Portman as Alice, make up the rest of the quartet of characters who fall in and out of lust/love with each other over a period of years.What bothers me most about many of the reviews here, is that people complain that people in Closer are unlikeable. Well, so what? Considering how many of us lie and cheat in love - often as much to ourselves as to others - how many of us are really all that attractive? The opening words of this film are from a song by Damien Rice, where he intones "And so it is..." He is singing about infatuation verging on obsession, which is what Closer is really about - the way we obsess about each other to the point of destroying both the love and ourselves; the closer we try to get, the further apart we become. We may insist on the truth, but how will we recognize it if it is not what we want so desperately to hear? Polished performances of a slickly intelligent and often witty script are searingly directed to perfection by Mike Nichols, who has been in this territory before with "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?". The main difference is that in that earlier film, George and Martha KNEW the difference between surface and reality, whereas the four lost souls of Closer wander myopically through the landscape of their lives looking for signposts. At the end of Virginia Woolf, they at least had each other. At the end of Closer, no-one seems to have anything left at all. Perhaps the main point of Closer is that our images of ourselves can only remain beautiful from a distance; the closer we get, the blurrier it all becomes. This is a sad film in the end, but it is also one of the most adult films ever to be made. After all, stories of princesses and frogs are really for children, aren't they?
Painfully Realistic
posted on 14 Aug 2009This is one of the greatest films I've seen in my life, and that's probably even an understatement. Four actors have never been better, and it was a pleasure to see each of them in such a different kind of role. They've earned my admiration and respect.The reason this movie is so powerful is because there are few people who can't relate to some romantic situation presented. We feel the happiness, pain, vulnerability, etc. the characters are going through. This film is intended for a mature audience, so if you decide this movie is for you please use wise judgement when deciding who to take. There are also strong sexual dialogues, so if you blush or feel uncomfortable when someone mentions sex, you probably will be squirming in your chair the entire time. However, if you can see past that into the depth of the characters and plot, then you'll really enjoy this.
Dreams and delusions
posted on 14 Aug 2009Is love a disease? a delusion? A timeless question as important today as ever. We accept this premise, but what other diseases can exist in our minds? Is there a spectrum of possibilities beyond the debilitating sort that are legally certifiable? Without telling us any answers, without subtext leading us to believe in a solution, this film analyzes fear and doubt in a particularly common variety. Does love exist? Must it be pure? True?The film is excellent in every infinitesimal aspect that I'm aware of. Script, Cast, Performance, Photography, Sound, Direction. It's all I can do to write my praises.The trip was almost more than I could bear. Which is everything this should be.
Complex, Compelling, Closer's Classic *spoiler*
posted on 12 Aug 2009Well this is the best movie I have seen since 21 Grams. I am in awe of how simple the movie is (in terms of dialogue, screen work, etc) yet how complex the characters are. The chemistry between the 4 of them is just flawless. This movie would have really been a sad affair if the acting was not at the level it was. It was refreshing to see Julia Roberts again on screen, and re-affirming her role (arguably) as Hollywood's TOP Actress. Although, Portman, based on the Alice Character, definitely has something to say about that. Those 2 definitely deserve the gold-men, come early next year.I have a question, when exactly did Alice and Dan exchange names? That's the only part I'm left puzzled by, because I seem to remember them exchanging names before going into the cemetery, in which case, How would Jane have taken-up the name Alice Ayres?
terrible
posted on 12 Aug 2009this is a terrible film about terrible people doing terrible things to each other. the only arcs in character come when a character is at the end of his rope due to his or her own lack of integrity. while desperation can be an intriguing motivation, i prefer it to be brought on by outside circumstances, not a characters own selfishness and absolute disregard for those affected so deeply by his or her actions. i can't imagine why anyone would root for any of the four characters. while watching i simply kept hoping that all of the main characters would end in ruin. the attempt at making natalie portman's character the innocent victim of this mess is ruined by her obvious arousal during the exhibition scene, when larry caresses her face. if it weren't for the competent acting and, at times, compelling dialogue i would have given this film 1 star.
Not close enough
posted on 08 Aug 2009Wish I stayed further away.It's full of all this b.s. about relationships and animalistic behaviors and mind games and violence and typical everyday crapola that we all deal with and one point or another all throughout life.Then we either give up sex altogether or get married or neither or both or become the hooker with a golden heart or call Mike Nichols and say you're a dirty old man.Yeah, we're all a bunch of used cars, I get it.Now show me Queen Amidala on the ass-pole again.6 out of 10. A D+.
quite dirty which i happened to love
posted on 06 Aug 2009Having some of the most filthy things fly out of these people mouth was shocking especially coming from Mama Roberts and Queen Ammadallah's mouth, but i think it adds something to hear from there mouth. This is with out a doubt has the most vulgar and disgusting language in film history. ITs the whole point in my opinion. these people are all wound up together in this game of sex and lies, i think some filth will fly out of their mouths. Aside from that, the film is also beautifully shot and all the actors deserved Oscars for there performances, expiable for Julia Roberts and Natalie Portman. Clive Owen dirty mouth made his performance. It just added so much disgust and rage to his performance, his scene with Julia Roberts is quite captivating. Jude Law kind of did his typical thing here which is always good to me. All in all a really good movie that should f done better at the box office. You also shouldn't be afraid of the language, your grown-up you can handle it.
Ken Jeninngs would have loved this movie
posted on 04 Aug 2009Why didn't you like this movie? story- Are you sure you didn't like this movie? yup- Did the language play any part in you not like this movie? F**k No!- How did you like the use of questions through out the film? they sucked hard.- Was this the first time you found Julia Roberts attractive?Yes actually- This is the hottest scene with a known celebrity?Hell yeah- Is it possible that SW episode 3 had something to do with Natalie Portman not being nude? Maybe- At any point did you have a flashback of SAT's or ACT's while watching a movie? uh-huh-
Closer Winners!
posted on 04 Aug 2009Closer stands out as one of the most powerful and riveting movies of the year marked by awesome performance deliveries. Clive Owen and Natalie Portman just snagged Golden Globes, and justly so. So many responses are pouring out on this message board that this movie is "garbage." I can only assume there's got to be correlation between hating this movie and voting for Bush. I think most of America wasn't ready for Closer, and was shocked by it. I just love how raw emotions can be portrayed so well. This movie is intimate, passionate, and raw. Not for all, but for those who just want to let go. Closer... it's good, and you need to see it if you want something outside the boring box
Utterly utterly utterly stupid.
posted on 31 Jul 2009Take four unsympathetic characters and slam them into one other in a series of contrived meetings. Then hop forward a few months at a time to some equally contrived decision points in their relationships. And at each stage make sure that they make absolutely the most unconvincing and ludicrous decision possible.This is without doubt the most infuriatingly unbelievable film I have ever seen. I had to suspend my disbelief less for South Park Uncut. Nothing that any of the characters ever say or do is even remotely plausible.After the first half hour the film becomes risibly predictable because you know that whatever choices the characters are faced with, they will take the most preposterous option. At one point I thought "if Julia Roberts does X now then this is the worst film I've ever seen" ... I clearly wasn't alone as when she did (inevitably) do X, a neighbour stood up and walked out of the theatre.Oh ... Clive Owen puts in a convincing performance (as the biggest arsehole in a foursome of arseholes). But it's scant consolation for the rest of this nonsense.
Stay Far Away from Closer 0*
posted on 29 Jul 2009A simply awful movie depicting sexual problems between two couples.If the writers of this disaster thought that they were emulating 1969's "Bob&Carol&Ted&Alice", they must be sadly mistaken.The 4 people involved have sexual hangups. No question about that. Jude Law meets up with Natalie Portman when she hits by a cab. Jude has been seeing Julia Roberts, the latter is married to a dermatologist (Clive Owen) Some doctor! The filth that spews from his mouth is nauseating. He tells wife Roberts that he went to bed with a whore while on a N.Y.C. convention. Moments later, he says to her: "Aren't we happy?"If this isn't crazy enough, Law uses Roberts' computer to bate Owen to come to a meeting where Roberts happens to be with a request for sex.Roberts and Owen are separated. Before he will sign the divorce decree, I'll give you a guess what he wants from Roberts. She complies.Law writes obituaries for the newspapers. He could have written one for this movie. Portman is a stripper. Owen throws money at her.Portman and Owen received supporting Golden Globe Awards for their respective performances. The Motion Picture academy happily saw otherwise.A disgusting, vulgar picture. Mike Nichols, you directed this mess. This was not "The Graduate."
Depressing waste of time about cruel, unhappy people who are obsessed with each other.
posted on 29 Jul 2009This is a depressing story about four petty, unhappy, cruel people who are perfectly willing to lie, cheat, manipulate, and destroy each other to satisfy their obsession with each other. The show started out sweet and romantic, but that didn't last long. I found it very difficult to identify with any of the characters, because they seemed to develop an obsession with another person at the drop of a hat, before they even knew anything about the other person, and they seemed to fall in and out of love at a moment's notice without any real reason for it. I kept waiting for the movie to redeem itself, but it never did. I'm surprised at how bad it is, considering the great acting talent and the positive reviews from many critics. It was a disappointing waste of time.
....Then Farther Apart
posted on 25 Jul 2009I have been waiting for this film since I first started seeing previews at least 3 months ago. Reason 1: The stellar cast- Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Natalie Portman, and the seemingly omnipresent Jude Law. Reason 2: Mike Nichols. I've been a fan since The Graduate. and 3. The haunting song teaser they played in the previews, and now on the televised previews. This raspy, thready, "I can't take my eyyyeesssss off you....." - It positively obsessed me to find out the name and singer, which alone has been my unrealized mission for 3 months. I am being sidetracked, but bear with me. It will all become evident why I talk of the song so much. Okay, so on Thursday our local newspaper reviewer, who gave it an "A-", by the way, mentioned the song as being sung by Damien Rice. This Irishman has SOUL. Now about the movie. The song made me doubly interested in the movie, though I already knew I wanted to see it. Truth be told, had they not played that song in the preview, I wouldn't have been at the first showing the day it opened.The movie doesn't disappoint, and does. This is NOT "warm, fuzzy, holiday fare". If you want that, stay home and watch Jimmy Stewart movies. What it IS is a finely tuned foray into relationships, specifically what we do to each other in relationships in quest for the "perfect love".Excellent performances all around. The luminous Natalie Portman has gone to the top of my list, even surpassing the engaging Julia Roberts, who, incidentally, is not the sweet innocent she usually plays. Jude Law is so good, and thankfully made me forget Alfie. Clive Owen has the most expressive eyes. He gave a wonderful performance. It may be a bit difficult to adjust initially to each scene. The passage of time in between quickly becomes evident, however, and you'll find yourself in rhythm. Clive Owen gave an interview on our local TV station yesterday and prepared me, however, for the ending. I was really glad he did, because, although he didn't give anything away, he forewarned that you won't leave feeling all warm and fuzzy. Great effort from all involved. But leaves you feeling .......just leaves you "feeling"......
Relationships aren't all fun and games
posted on 30 Aug 2009Closer is a brutal, uncompromising, sometimes quite witty but most importantly a very sober examination of relationships.Expertly performed by a top notch cast, their characters feel real and authentic in their bravery and utmost cowardice. While the characters aren't fully fleshed out they seem very authentic and may even provoke viewers to examine their own personal lives. The dialog, while pretty rough at times, is also spot on.You really don't know who to hate and who to sympathize with and that's the beauty of the film. The people are so flawed and most likely you're left pitying them instead of despising them. Seldom has a film about relationships left me so stunned and yet so speechless. I find it very hard to put into words why it moves me so. Watching these people rip the guts out of one another in this dry fashion is indeed very sobering.I highly recommend this film but, admittedly, you have to be in the mood for it.