Patrick Marber adapts Closer's screenplay from his own popular stage play. Throughout the film you can see evidence of how well-suited this story is to the stage: A four-character story with each scene having two person dialogue only.

This makes the I-wonder-who-is-going-to-do-what-next aspect very appealing. Closer has a strong backbone; the dialogue gets ferocious and is occasionally brilliant. There are at least two instances that left me saying, "Wow, that was a really great scene."

This film doesn't praise love certainly, it takes a fairly honest approach and focuses on the things we do to screw up our relationships. This is an excellent cast and the Oscar buzz has already begun. Look for possible nominations for everyone in the cast, but most especially, Portman and Owen. Best director, best screenplay and best picture are also real possibilities.