A surprisingly more thorough relationship between the four protagonists in the book/play than was portrayed in the movie. The extra dialogue did make you understand Dan a bit more, and it made him even more unlikable. It makes me appreciate the screen version even more, because I can see how the extra dialogue would have weighed it down. ( )

I had seen this play performed before I read it, and I didn't like it any better reading it. The story is rather trite - boy meets girl, meets another girl, other girl meets another boy, everyone gets in bed with everyone else, and things get really messed up. It is an unpleasant play, with characters who are totally selfish and not nearly as sympathetic as I suspect the author thinks they are. It's rather banal, though there are some good lines mixed in with the mishmash. ( )

As it is a play, the movie version with Clive Owen as Larry, Julia Roberts as Anna, Natalie Portman as Alice, and Jude Law as Dan is easier to follow. The dialogue has more punch when spoken. The movie is very loyal to the play, there are no changes except for the ending scene.
I love this because it's hard to watch. The characters are cruel to each other and manipulate each other, but it's so *real* that I fell in love with it. The dialogue is very frank and sexual, but also very real. There are only 4 characters and the settings and set directions are minimal. There is nothing to distract from Marber's words, for better or worse.
I think this is the most realistic play about sexual politics, love, cheating, and the toll it takes on the characters I have ever read or seen. ( )

Very much a play of its time (especially the rise of the In-Yer-Face theatrical movement of the 90s) but still fresh and interesting today. Veering between witty and heartbreaking, Closer analyses the human relationships and how something so intimate and beautiful as sex and love can ultimately be as destructive and painful as hate. I'm amazed by Marber's ability to create such well rounded and ultimately sympathetic characters who are so loathsome, selfish and frequently vulgar (the profanities are so wonderfully quotable, but probably not in polite conversation!). It's an extremely cynical piece but one committed to its message, something I find so refreshing. Definitely not for everyone though. It's easy to see where the accusations of coldness come from. Check out the movie, it's an extremely honest and well acted adaptation. ( )

This was a gritty, raw play with characters who are absolutely cruel to each other. The dialog was cutting and memorable. It had moments of humor, and great chemistry between the characters. The ending was sad, but I enoyed it greatly. ( )