Synopsis

Dan, a writer in London, meets Alice after she is injured in a street accident. Their relationship becomes entangled with photographer Anna and dermatologist Larry, creating a volatile pattern of attraction, betrayal, jealousy, and confession. As the four struggle to control their desires and punish one another, intimacy proves less comforting than the painful truths they demand.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film adapts Patrick Marber's award-winning 1997 stage play. Marber also wrote the screenplay, preserving the play's concentrated focus on four characters and their shifting relationships.

• Clive Owen played Dan in the original London stage production. For the film, Owen instead took the role of Larry.

• Cate Blanchett was originally cast as Anna, but left the project before filming began after becoming pregnant with her second child. Julia Roberts subsequently played the role.

• Although the play is set in London, the film changes Anna and Larry into American characters, reflecting the international casting and production approach.

• Filming took place in London, including Postman's Park, as well as in New York City.

• The film received two Academy Award nominations: Clive Owen for Supporting Actor and Natalie Portman for Supporting Actress. Owen won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA for his performance, while Portman won the Golden Globe for Supporting Actress.

• The soundtrack uses "The Blower's Daughter" by Damien Rice, whose association with the film helped bring the song wider attention.

• The film was released in the United States on December 3, 2004, and earned more than $115 million worldwide against an estimated $27 million budget.