Closer Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Four attractive people in London make terrible decisions about love and sex, proving that being hot doesn’t make you smart, just more capable of hurting others stylishly.

🍿 Closer: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Initial Connection

Dan, a writer, meets Alice, a free-spirited American, after she’s hit by a taxi in London. They quickly form a deep connection and begin a relationship. Their early days are filled with affection and inspiration, with Dan writing a book based on Alice’s life and experiences as a former stripper.

Entanglements and Infidelity

During a photoshoot for his book, Dan meets Anna, a photographer, and becomes infatuated with her. He attempts to pursue her, but she initially rebuffs his advances. In a moment of misguided revenge, Dan sets Anna up in an online chat room, leading her to meet Larry, a dermatologist. This chance encounter sparks a new relationship between Anna and Larry, while Dan remains with Alice.

Affairs and Betrayals

Despite being in committed relationships, Dan and Anna begin a passionate affair. Their infidelity causes turmoil and heartache for both Alice and Larry. The film explores the complex dynamics of love, lust, and betrayal as the two couples grapple with their tangled emotions and desires.

The Fallout

The consequences of the affairs ripple through the characters’ lives, leading to breakups, confrontations, and intense emotional exchanges. The film delves into the darker aspects of relationships, showcasing the pain and destruction that can result from dishonesty and selfishness. The characters confront each other with brutal honesty, revealing hidden truths and exposing their vulnerabilities.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Alice (Natalie Portman): A mysterious and free-spirited young woman who works as a stripper and becomes involved in a complex relationship with Dan.
• Dan (Jude Law): An obituary writer and aspiring novelist whose infidelity and insecurities drive much of the film’s conflict.
• Larry (Clive Owen): A brash dermatologist with a cynical view on love, who engages in intense emotional battles with Anna and others.
• Anna (Julia Roberts): A photographer caught in a web of desire and deceit, struggling to find genuine connection in her relationships.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Alice: “Lying’s the most fun a girl can have without taking her clothes off… but it’s better if you do.” – Alice says this in response to Larry asking her to tell him something true, encapsulating her playful yet deceptive nature.
• Larry: “Have you ever been so mad, you stopped breathing?” – Larry says this to Anna during a heated argument, conveying the intensity of his rage and emotional turmoil.
• Dan: “I love you. I’ve never loved anyone like I love you.” – Dan expresses this sentiment to both Alice and Anna, highlighting his fickle nature and inability to commit fully.
• Anna: “I don’t love you anymore. Goodbye.” – Anna says this to Dan after growing tired of their tumultuous relationship, marking a decisive end to their affair.
• Larry: “Between seeing and knowing, there is believing.” – Larry says this to Dan, regarding Anna’s unfaithfulness, in a bid to provoke and assert his perceived superiority in understanding her.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $27,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $33,987,757
• Worldwide Gross: $115,518,219

💥 Closer Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, what a ride! I went into this movie expecting a simple romance, but I got so much more. It’s raw, it’s messy, and it feels incredibly real. I found myself cringing at moments, but also completely captivated by the characters and their choices. The scene in the strip club between Clive Owen and Natalie Portman was intense and unforgettable. This movie made me question everything I thought I knew about love and relationships. Definitely a must-see, but maybe not on a first date!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of character-driven dramas.”
  • “Viewers interested in complex relationship stories.”
  • “Those who appreciate films with sharp dialogue and strong performances.”
  • “Adults seeking a mature and thought-provoking film experience.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language.”
  • “Sexual content and discussions.”
  • “Themes of infidelity and betrayal.”
  • “Brief nudity.”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Closer doesn’t offer easy answers or resolutions. The performances are what elevate it, particularly Clive Owen who delivers a raw, unforgettable performance. The film dares to explore the complexities of human desire and betrayal.
• Rolling Stone: “Mike Nichols directs with a sharp, unflinching eye. The dialogue is brutal, honest, and often darkly funny. The cast is superb, each actor bringing a nuanced performance to their role. Closer isn’t a comfortable watch, but it’s a compelling one.
• Empire Magazine: “Closer is a daring and provocative film that explores the darker side of love and relationships. The performances are top-notch, and the script is razor-sharp. It’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Audience Reactions

The raw honesty of the dialogue and the uncomfortable truths about relationships.: Viewers were impressed by the film’s boldness in portraying complex and flawed characters.

The powerful performances, especially those of Natalie Portman and Clive Owen.: Many found the acting to be the highlight, bringing depth and nuance to the characters.

Overall Consensus: Closer is a provocative and unsettling exploration of modern relationships, lauded for its strong performances and sharp dialogue, though its bleakness may not appeal to all viewers.

Awards

1. Golden Globe Award (Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture)- 2005
2. Golden Globe Award (Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture)- 2005

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Clive Owen, who played Larry in the film, originally played Dan in the stage version of ‘Closer’.”
• “Cate Blanchett was originally cast as Anna, but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts, leading to Julia Roberts taking the role.”
• “The film is based on a play by Patrick Marber, who also wrote the screenplay, ensuring the dialogue’s sharp and theatrical quality was preserved.”

🖥️ How to Watch Closer?

Closer is available for streaming rental or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable and satellite options. For physical media, the DVD and Blu-ray versions can be found at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Closer, you might like these similar films:

• Carnal Knowledge (1971): Explores similar themes of sexual relationships and emotional detachment with a cynical perspective.
• Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966): Directed by Mike Nichols, this also examines the destructive nature of relationships through sharp dialogue and intense performances.
• Blue Valentine (2010): A raw and realistic portrayal of a decaying marriage, similar to Closer’s unflinching look at relationships.
• Notes on a Scandal (2006): Explores complex relationships and betrayals with strong performances and a dark, psychological edge.
• Fatal Attraction (1987): Tells the story of a married man’s one-night stand that comes back to haunt him.

🛒 Closer Related Products

• Closer [Blu-ray]: Experience Closer in stunning high definition. The Blu-ray edition includes bonus features and behind-the-scenes content, offering a deeper dive into the film’s themes and production.
• Closer (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Audio CD]: Relive the emotional impact of the film with the original soundtrack, featuring the hauntingly beautiful ‘The Blower’s Daughter’ by Damien Rice.
• Natalie Portman Signed Closer Movie Poster: A rare and valuable collectible item. This authentic movie poster signed by Natalie Portman is the perfect addition to any serious fan’s collection.
• Clive Owen as Larry – Limited Edition Action Figure: A highly detailed and poseable action figure of Clive Owen’s character Larry. Each figure is individually numbered and comes with accessories from the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

Closer features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Blower’s Daughter” – performed by Damien Rice

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Natalie Portman & Jude Law Answer the Web’s Most Searched Questions | WIRED

Curious about what Natalie Portman’s first language is or Jude Law’s favorite role? Check out this video where they answer the internet’s most searched questions. It’s a fun and engaging interview that will give you a new perspective on these two talented actors.

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