Duplicity

Starring: Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti, Tom Wilkinson, Dan Daily
Directed by: Tony Gilroy
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Thriller
2009

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Two spies (Julia Roberts, Clive Owen) turn to the corporate world to get their hands on a priceless formula, willing to go to any lengths to acquire it- double-crossing, triple-crossing, even willing to risk their own budding love affair to steal it.

Review:

Tim: Duplicity is a movie that probably shouldn't work as good as it does. It has a number of flaws, but these almost disappear because we're having too much fun watching the film to notice. Some movies present themselves in a way that highlights their flaws- others present themselves in such a way that their problems are completely forgivable. This film is much closer to the latter.

The movie itself is a twisting, turning romantic thriller that sufficiently keeps the audience guessing. While there are a few legitimate twists, the film's greatest strength is keeping the audience off balance- we firmly believe anything can happen, and are awaiting possible twists that never actually happen. That is impressive, for a film to be so unpredictable that we're just waiting to get knocked off balance again. The film is a bit complex and a little too convoluted- if you're not paying strict attention, it is very easy to get completely lost. I blinked a few times and found myself trying to play catch-up. Although I wish it was a bit more accessible, I won't fault a film too much for being quite intelligent and involved.

While the plot mostly works, the real strengths come from its two main characters and the actors portraying them. All these corporate twists in and of themselves are not particularly impressive. However, as we watch these two characters, we get involved in them, and the story through them. I was very impressed with both Clive Owen and Julia Roberts. Owen has made a number of these movies, and he just exudes an effortless coolness that draws you into his character. This movie felt a bit too close to The International, but as I watched Owen in this film, I didn't care. He is quite good in these kinds of roles, and he was very enjoyable here. I was actually surprised by how much I liked Julia Roberts in her role. She plays it reserved and calmly- this is a film she could have easily went over-the-top, which would have ruined the entire film. Wisely, she plays her part close to the vest, and the movie works because of that. Owen and Roberts work very well together, and have impressive chemistry together. You can tell they were comfortable working together (and after Closer, they should be). They handle the quick dialogue beautifully.

While Owen and Roberts make the movie, they are not alone in the cast department. I loved the casting of both Paul Giamatti and Tom Wilkinson. Both men are such underrated actors, and their presence was a welcome one. Giamatti has a few moments to really showcase his acting chops, a more toned down performance to the one he gave in Shoot 'Em Up. Wilikinson has surprisingly little to do, which rather surprised me. I wish he had more chances to show off his talent. I do have to mention the opening scene, slow motion fight between Giamatti and Wilkinson. I am still trying to figure out exactly why, but I loved it.

Duplicity is a movie that keeps the thrills, action, dialogue, and suspense moving at a remarkable pace. There is no option for boredom here, as you must struggle valiantly just to keep up with the film. So many movies suffer from slow, plodding moments- this movie never does. I really appreciated that, and found myself interested and entertained from start to finish. This is also an intelligent movie that is not afraid to challenge its audience. Writer/Director Tony Gilroy is determined not to water down his film, which is a bold and welcome departure from so many Hollywood films. For these reasons, I found myself happily enjoying Duplicity- partially because it is determined to have fun (unlike Gilroy's massively, overly seriously directorial debut, Michael Clayton), which encourages its audience to sit back and have fun as well.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
Michael Clayton, Shoot 'Em Up, Closer, The International, Proof of Life