Closer

Mike Nichols: Closer (US 2004). L to r: Clive Owen (Larry), Natalie Portman (Alice), Julia Roberts (Anna), Jude Law (Dan).

Iholla / Closer [title in Sweden] / Closer, entre adultes consentants / Hautnah. 

    US © 2004 Columbia. D: Mike Nichols. SC: Patrick Marber – based on his play. DP: Stephen Goldblatt. M: Mozart: Così fan tutte; Rossini: La Cenerentola. LOC: London. Starring Natalie Portman (Alice), Jude Law (Dan), Julia Roberts (Anna), Clive Owen (Larry). 106 min. Released by CTSN, Finnish / Swedish subtitles by Timo Porri / Janne Staffans. Viewed at Bristol, Helsinki, 4 Feb 2005 (date of Finnish premiere). Brilliant dialogue, brilliant actors, brilliant scenes. However, it starts to drag, get sour. In the end I found myself not caring about the characters. There's a lot to savour. Nichols, Marber and the actors in great form. To be recommended as modern film drama and a satire on modern life. ***

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NB. 28 March 2026. I have not revisited Closer. It lingers in mind as brilliantly written and executed but also as a film with a daring surface and an icy undercurrent. Beyond the cool and stylish veneer, a sense of loss, solitude and emptiness.