Close My Eyes (1991) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The narrative begins in 1985 and spans six years, placing the escalation of events around 1991. This late-1980s to early-1990s period in Britain shapes the social climate regarding marriage and reputation in Close My Eyes. The era provides a backdrop of ambition and conservatism that influences the characters' choices.

Foreshadowing: The opening timeline establishes the long-term tension before the affair escalates.

• 1985
• 1991
• britain
• time period
• era

The core theme explores forbidden love, specifically focusing on a taboo incestuous relationship between siblings. Close My Eyes examines how secret affection destabilizes trust and forces characters to conceal their actions from society. The emotional intensity builds toward a potential catastrophe as truth threatens to surface.

Foreshadowing: Early interactions hint at the unspoken tension that defines the bond.

• forbidden love
• taboo
• incest
• theme
• message

Richard is a town planning student who becomes emotionally destabilized by a forbidden affair with his sister. Portrayed by Clive Owen, he experiences intense jealousy and self-doubt throughout Close My Eyes. His inner turmoil drives the escalating tension and the eventual confrontation within the family.

Foreshadowing: His initial restlessness hints at his willingness to cross moral boundaries later.

• richard gillespie
• clive owen
• character
• role
• student

Sinclair is a powerful, wealthy stock analyst and Natalie's husband who embodies social status and control. Played by Alan Rickman, his sense of security is tested by the unfolding affair and the threat it poses to his family's image in Close My Eyes. His responses reveal the complexities of trust, power, and restraint.

Foreshadowing: His composed demeanor early on contrasts with the suspicion that grows later.

• sinclair bryant
• alan rickman
• husband
• wealth
• power

Wealth and status act as both lure and shield, shaping how characters justify their actions and how others perceive them. In Close My Eyes, Sinclair's power contrasts with the vulnerability of Natalie's marriage and Richard's longing. The film examines how money can complicate moral choices and intensify emotional stakes.

Foreshadowing: Displays of affluence early in the story set the stage for power dynamics.

• wealth
• power
• status
• money
• social class

The movie deals with transgressive and psychologically disturbing subject matter, including depression and betrayal. Close My Eyes maintains a dark tone because it explores self-destruction and the high-stakes emotional fallout of a taboo relationship. The intensity is high due to the incestuous nature of the central affair.

Foreshadowing: The somber visual style and dialogue set the expectation for psychological weight.

• tone
• dark
• psychological
• disturbing
• mood

The late-1980s and early-1990s social climate in Britain shapes the characters' choices around marriage, ambition, and reputation. In Close My Eyes, concerns about public image and family stability drive the need for secrecy. This context heightens the stakes of their illicit relationship.

Foreshadowing: References to social standing early on highlight the risk of exposure.

• social context
• britain
• reputation
• marriage
• ambition

The relationship is defined by obsession, secrecy, and a dangerous intensity that spirals out of control. Close My Eyes portrays how unspoken tension between Richard and Natalie leads to an illicit and consuming drama. Their bond destabilizes trust and forces them to navigate marriage and growing obsession.

Foreshadowing: Initial glances and private moments establish the consuming nature of their bond.

• relationship
• obsession
• secrecy
• tension
• drama