The four characters in "Closer" inhabit a world of quick lust, glib conversation and one-up-manship. They each possess an urgency for intimacy in their cross-pollinated relationships. Directed by Mike Nichols ("Angels in America") and based on Peter Marber’s award winning play, both men see the story as dealing with the complexity, heartbreak and humor of modern day love and life in general.

Dan (Jude Law, who seems to be everywhere this year) and Alice (a very grown-up Natalie Portman) meet by accident (literally) when Alice, a transplanted New Yorker and new to London is hit by a taxi while crossing the street. Dan writes obituaries for the newspaper as he finishes off his novel, and they become a couple. A year later, when his book is to be published, Dan meets Anna (a glorious Julia Roberts), the photographer for his book cover. He falls for her and Alice spots the glitch right off. Larry (the dangerously handsome Clive Owen,) is the fourth player in this game. He’s a doctor and is drawn into play by Dan in a hilarious bit online when he thinks Dan is a super cyber slut in a sex chat room.

All the pawns are on the board and the salacious maneuvers begin. It’s a protracted game that covers four years and various couplings. Truth or lies, which are harder to accept? How many ways can we hurt each other? How do we recognize love? At one point Alice says to Dan, "Where is this ‘love’? I can hear some words, but I can’t do anything with your easy words."

The performances here are flawless. Natalie Portman’s Alice is a revelation, for both the actress and the character. Alice possesses a presumed naivete that leaves the others’ deceptions in the dust. Occasionally the dialogue rang hollow, not as natural as in "Before Sunset" or "Sideways."

Another recent film that dealt with betrayal in relationships was "We Don’t Live Here Anymore," which is arguably a more realistic portrayal of how it can all fall apart.