How does one do a closeup with a very soft light look, dark in the background and have round catch-lights.

Is there a standard method? Do I use a square softbox, or a different light?

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=88947&highlight=catchlight

This thread may help.

Jack,

To get the rounded catchlights, light as usual (softbox lighting at an angle) and use a smaller light as near to the camera as possible (a 100w diffused will be great) to get the catchlight. To get the background as dark as possible, position the model as far away from the background as possible to avoid the light spilling onto it (background). Grids with the softbox will also help lessen the spill.