Mike Nichols	...	(Director)
Patrick Marber, Patrick Marber	...	(Writer)
Natalie Portman	...	Alice
Jude Law	...	Dan
Julia Roberts	...	Anna
Clive Owen	...	Larry
Nick Hobbs	...	Taxi Driver
Colin Stinton	...	Customs Officer
Stephen Goldblatt	...	Cinematographer
John Bloom	...	Editor
Antonia Van Drimmelen	...	Editor

Comments: Two actresses that can often appear empty give satisfying performances here. Natalie Portman sizzles in this film and Julia Roberts acts like she was made for her part. This is a smart and daring film that knifes its way through its characters with razor sharp dialog. It's pretty obvious this film's plot was developed for the stage before it made it to the big screen.

There are many films that explore intimacy, lying, infidelity and other difficulties that burden relationships, but Closer does it with a wounding honesty. There are a number of times in this film that one character will sling an accusation at another and then be trumped by self-critical analysis of the recipient's retort. Everyone here struts around with a Machiavellian self-image except for Julia Roberts. Her power appears to come from a purity, an ideal that others point to as impossible, and it comes as no surprise that that ideal is easily deflated by the pressures exerted upon her. If you like your films smart and brutal, check this one out. Don't be put off by the beauty of its stars. They are all made pretty ugly in this picture.

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Summary: Smart-but-ineffectual journalist Dan "We use euphemisms!" can't decide between his girlfriend, loving-but-clingy waitress Alice, or his lover cold-but-intellectual photographer Anna. Anna herself can't decide between Dan and honest-but-thuggish "You're bloody gorgeous!" doctor Larry. The film, as Tarantino might put it, puts the four leading characters in a box and then takes them apart.