Close My Eyes (1991)

An estranged brother and sister begin an intense sexual relationship, behind the curtain of their otherwise normal working-class lives.

Director:

Stephen Poliakoff

Writer:

Stephen Poliakoff

Stars:

Alan Rickman, Clive Owen, Saskia Reeves

4 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Alan Rickman	...	Sinclair / Natalie's husband
Clive Owen	...	Richard / Brother
Saskia Reeves	...	Natalie / Sister
Karl Johnson	...	Colin
Lesley Sharp	...	Jessica
Kate Gartside	...	Paula
Karen Knight	...	Philippa
Niall Buggy	...	Geof
Campbell Morrison	...	Scotsman
Annie Hayes	...	Receptionist
Maxwell Hutcheon	...	Interviewee
Geraldine Somerville	...	Natalie's Boss
Helen FitzGerald	...	Scottish Girl
Christopher Barr	...	Noley
Gordon Salkilld	...	Hotel Porter

Storyline

After some years of tension, Richard begins a sexual relationship with his sister Natalie, who is now married. The relationship between Richard and Natalie proves dangerously obsessional. Their private intensity (& working class origins) contrast with the middle-class, inhibited, stuffy public scenes we see in the Richmond world into which Natalie has moved with her marriage. As the guilt and intensity of the siblings increases we seem to be heading for disaster, especially when Natalie's husband Sinclair finds out.

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Plot Keywords:

brother sister incest | incest | brother sister sex | train station | female full frontal nudity | 

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Taglines:

There are some relationships so taboo they're irresistible.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sensuality, and for language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Clive Owen took time out from Chancer (1990) to make Close My Eyes (1991).

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Goofs

When Natalie and Richard are fighting on the country lane, there is a rip in the right shoulder of her jacket. When they get back to the party, the rip has gone.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Natalie: You're late.
Richard: Sorry, it was unavoidable, trains on Sunday, you know what they're like.
Natalie: Unavoidable? I don't believe it. I've eaten all the food.
Richard: You've eaten all the food? Now that's serious.

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Connections

References Rosemary's Baby (1968)

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Soundtracks

Bianca
(uncredited)
Music by Dick Walter
KPM Music Ltd

User Reviews

Beautiful English countryside and sordid relationship

How can you feel sympathetic to a brother and sister who fall in love with one another? Ensure that the viewer knows that they grew up separated from one another, and that at least one of them is emotionally frustrated after a series of failed relationships. Throw in an older, maybe boring husband (an Alan Rickman I can't even imagine!!), mix in some gorgeous surroundings and it's not quite so astonishing. The comedic touches are great....the brother's fright at being invited on a picnic by Rickman ..."You think he's going to kill me?" says volumns about his guilt. Betty Davis criticized one movie as merely a 'travelogue', which I don't mind at all: the beautiful upper reaches of the Thames, the country estate, the old church where the lovers try to break apart.....wonderful!! I watch it over and over just for the scenery. The brother's bare buns aren't half as attractive as Alan Rickman's, but the sex scene in an empty office with some nameless young woman is quite hilarious.

The acting is excellent, as is the dialogue. The "I will, I won't" of the female gets a little wearing. but I suppose it's necessary to show how repulsive incest was initially to her. For those of you who like quirky movies and English environments, this is a must!!

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 November 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

Close My Eyes

Filming Locations:

Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, Dorking, Surrey, England, UK

Box Office

Gross USA:

$135,893

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$135,893

Company Credits

Production Co:

Film Four International, Beambright

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1