Genre: Romantic Comedy, Spy Thriller
Director: Tony Gilroy
Starring: Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Tom Wilkinson, Paul Giamatti
Running Time: 125 minutes (plus trailers)
Tony Gilroy’s directorial debut was the 2007 film Michael Clayton, a gripping drama that explored the shadowy nature of the American legal and corporate world. The film was considered by many critics (as well as myself) to be one of the best films of the year, and was nominated for 6 Oscars, including Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Picture. Gilroy followed that film with Duplicity. Julia Roberts and Clive Owen play two ex-spies who team up to steal $40 million from a massive cosmetics corporation. Filled with plot twists, flashy editing and plenty of mischievous sexually charged winks, Duplicity could be described as Michael Clayton crossed with Mr and Mrs Smith, and while it is certainly better than the latter, it is nowhere near as good as the former.
I would like to say that the premise for this film is terrific. Rather than the two spies infiltrating the pentagon or a weapons manufacturer, their targets make soap and conditioner. But the extraordinary lengths the two multi billion dollar companies go to protect their secrets is fascinating, and was something I had never really thought about. Gilroy, who wrote both this and Michael Clayton as well as all three Bourne films clearly has a fascination with the world of espionage. Like in those earlier movies the themes of corporate treachery and double dealing are explored here at great length, in a way that audiences will not be used to but will be enthralled by.
The other thing that is clear about Gilroy is that he is a masterful filmmaker. His direction is beautiful and sleek and filled with confidence. His dramatic screenwriting is second to none - look out for a great speech delivered by Tom Wilkinson, who plays the CEO of one of two duelling cosmetic companies. The downside is that the romantic dialogue, and indeed the entire romance falls completely flat, but the blame lies with the two leads rather than the screenwriter. Roberts and Owen both do what is required of them, but not one iota more. I mean, they’re basically playing themselves, but it is an unenthusiastic portrayal, which causes an enormous problem because the entire film hinges on their relationship which I did not believe for a second.
The film biggest problem is that it is far too complex. The story is told out of order, and Gilroy intentionally withholds information simply to screw with the audience. Now don’t get me wrong; I love films that mess with the narrative structure…I have stated many time that Memento is my absolute favourite movie, and who doesn’t love Pulp Fiction? But in Duplicity, the unnecessary convolution does not gel with the films fun sentiments and many people who go into this movie expecting (as was advertised) an easy going piece of popcorn entertainment may find themselves hopelessly confused. This movie really feels like two movies; one a gripping, tricky espionage thriller that warrants multiple viewings, and the other a breezy date movie that you will enjoy but never think of again.
At the end of the day, I just want everyone to be warned about what they are getting into. This film is a much harder to follow than the trailers have led you to believe, and so while I’m not saying avoid it, I am saying that you should make sure you go to the bathroom before it begins…because if you leave halfway through, you will have no idea what is going on once you get back. That being said, if you can follow it, Duplicity is a fairly rewarding experience. Perhaps the better option is to wait until DVD, where you will be afforded such luxuries as pause and rewind. And while you’re down at your local VideoEzy, be sure to pick up a copy of Michael Clayton.
Duplicity is in cinemas now.
P.S. I just want to draw attention to the fact that this is my 100th post here on Plus Trailers. Feeling a mixture of pride and shame...mostly shame. I would like to thank everyone for reading...look forward to many more unenthusiastic reviews and angry tirades in the future!
Director: Tony Gilroy
Starring: Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Tom Wilkinson, Paul Giamatti
Running Time: 125 minutes (plus trailers)
Tony Gilroy’s directorial debut was the 2007 film Michael Clayton, a gripping drama that explored the shadowy nature of the American legal and corporate world. The film was considered by many critics (as well as myself) to be one of the best films of the year, and was nominated for 6 Oscars, including Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Picture. Gilroy followed that film with Duplicity. Julia Roberts and Clive Owen play two ex-spies who team up to steal $40 million from a massive cosmetics corporation. Filled with plot twists, flashy editing and plenty of mischievous sexually charged winks, Duplicity could be described as Michael Clayton crossed with Mr and Mrs Smith, and while it is certainly better than the latter, it is nowhere near as good as the former.I would like to say that the premise for this film is terrific. Rather than the two spies infiltrating the pentagon or a weapons manufacturer, their targets make soap and conditioner. But the extraordinary lengths the two multi billion dollar companies go to protect their secrets is fascinating, and was something I had never really thought about. Gilroy, who wrote both this and Michael Clayton as well as all three Bourne films clearly has a fascination with the world of espionage. Like in those earlier movies the themes of corporate treachery and double dealing are explored here at great length, in a way that audiences will not be used to but will be enthralled by.
The other thing that is clear about Gilroy is that he is a masterful filmmaker. His direction is beautiful and sleek and filled with confidence. His dramatic screenwriting is second to none - look out for a great speech delivered by Tom Wilkinson, who plays the CEO of one of two duelling cosmetic companies. The downside is that the romantic dialogue, and indeed the entire romance falls completely flat, but the blame lies with the two leads rather than the screenwriter. Roberts and Owen both do what is required of them, but not one iota more. I mean, they’re basically playing themselves, but it is an unenthusiastic portrayal, which causes an enormous problem because the entire film hinges on their relationship which I did not believe for a second.
The film biggest problem is that it is far too complex. The story is told out of order, and Gilroy intentionally withholds information simply to screw with the audience. Now don’t get me wrong; I love films that mess with the narrative structure…I have stated many time that Memento is my absolute favourite movie, and who doesn’t love Pulp Fiction? But in Duplicity, the unnecessary convolution does not gel with the films fun sentiments and many people who go into this movie expecting (as was advertised) an easy going piece of popcorn entertainment may find themselves hopelessly confused. This movie really feels like two movies; one a gripping, tricky espionage thriller that warrants multiple viewings, and the other a breezy date movie that you will enjoy but never think of again.
At the end of the day, I just want everyone to be warned about what they are getting into. This film is a much harder to follow than the trailers have led you to believe, and so while I’m not saying avoid it, I am saying that you should make sure you go to the bathroom before it begins…because if you leave halfway through, you will have no idea what is going on once you get back. That being said, if you can follow it, Duplicity is a fairly rewarding experience. Perhaps the better option is to wait until DVD, where you will be afforded such luxuries as pause and rewind. And while you’re down at your local VideoEzy, be sure to pick up a copy of Michael Clayton.Duplicity is in cinemas now.
P.S. I just want to draw attention to the fact that this is my 100th post here on Plus Trailers. Feeling a mixture of pride and shame...mostly shame. I would like to thank everyone for reading...look forward to many more unenthusiastic reviews and angry tirades in the future!
