By Ernio Hernandez
16 Aug 2004

Julia Roberts

The trailer for the upcoming Mike Nichols-directed film of Patrick Marber's Closer starring original London stage star Clive Owen opposite film stars Julia Roberts, Jude Law and Natalie Portman has hit theatres and the web.

The Columbia Pictures presentation of "Closer" is set for a December 3 release in the United States. The film — whose screen play was penned by the playwright — was shot on location in London and other England locales.

"Closer" follows the love, lust and emotions of modern relationships by way of a two couples who become entangled into each other's lives. The play won the 1997 Evening Standard Best Comedy Award and the 1998 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play. It also received a nomination for the Best Play Tony Award.

Closer debuted in 1997 at the Royal National Theatre and opened on Broadway in 1999. Playwright Marber directed both runs of his work. The London cast featured Liza Walker, Clive Owen and Sally Dexter while the Broadway cast included and Anna Friel, Rupert Graves and Natasha Richardson. Ciaran Hinds starred in both runs in the role Owen takes in the film.

London scribe Marber is known for his stageplays including Dealer's Choice, Howard Katz and After Miss Julie.

Nichols' screen adaptation of Tony Kushner's Angels in America hit the small screen on HBO and earned a record-breaking 21 Emmy Award nominations. The Directors Guild of America Lifetime Achievement Award recipient has also won an Academy Award for Best Director for the 1968 classic "The Graduate." His numerous credits on stage include Barefoot in the Park, Luv, The Odd Couple, The Apple Tree, The Little Foxes, Plaza Suite, The Prisoner of Second Avenue, Comedians, The Gin Game, The Real Thing, Hurlyburly, Waiting for Godot and The Seagull.

For the trailer and more information on the film, visit the official website at www.sonypictures.com/movies/closer.