Natalie Portman describes her role as a stripper in the new Mike Nichols film "Closer" as a chance for personal exploration. In an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, Portman said she talked with exotic dancers and learned how to pole dance. She said her role in Closer differs from her work in the forthcoming "Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith" in that "Closer" is more character-driven. The film, which also stars Julia Roberts, Jude Law, and Clive Owen, is based on a play by Patrick Marber.
