The music video for "Closer" was made part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
"Closer" was shot in the same studio that was used by Charlie Chaplin several years prior.
The opening drum beat is sampled from Iggy Pop's "Nightclubbing" written by Iggy Pop and David Bowie. Bowie is an idol of Nine Inch Nails singer Trent Reznor, and would end up launching a co-headlining tour together a year after the song's release.
Trent Reznor reflected that the music video shoot was unpleasant. The use of the pig's head created a horrible smell that plagued the production. Due to being suspended in mid-air and spun around, Reznor vomited.
The video is inspired by the Brothers Quay's animated short film Street of Crocodiles, and the art of Joel-Peter Witkin, Francis Bacon and George Tooker.