Closer (film)

Closer is a 2004 American romantic drama film directed and produced by Mike Nichols and written by Patrick Marber, based on his award-winning 1997 play. It stars Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, and Clive Owen. The film, like the play on which it is based, has been seen by some as a modern and tragic version of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Lorenzo Da Ponte's 1790 opera Così fan tutte, with references to the opera in both the plot and the soundtrack. Owen starred in the play as Dan, the role played by Law in the film.

Closer received favorable reviews and grossed $115 million at the box office. It was recognized with a number of awards and nominations, including Academy Award nominations and Golden Globe wins for both Portman and Owen for their performances.

Plot

During a busy morning in central London, writer Dan Woolf meets a beautiful American woman after she is hit by a car. She tried to cross and was not used to the direction of traffic in England. On their walk back from the hospital, they stop by Postman's Park. Dan asks her name, which she gives as Alice Ayres. They soon become involved.

One year later, Dan has written a novel based on Alice's life. While being photographed to publicise it, he flirts with the American photographer Anna Cameron. They share a kiss before Alice arrives. While she uses the bathroom, Dan tries to persuade Anna to meet with him, but their conversation is cut short by Alice's return.

Alice asks Anna if she can have her portrait taken as well. She agrees, so Alice asks Dan to leave them alone during the photoshoot. While being photographed, she reveals to Anna that she overheard them. Anna photographs her while she is crying. Alice does not tell Dan what she heard, and their relationship continues, but he spends a year brooding over Anna.