Movie Review: Duplicity

Starring: Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Paul Giamatti, Tom Wilkerson

Genre: Drama (I would add thriller with comedic touches)

This is one of the most intriguing films I’ve ever seen and I did something I’ve never done before. After seeing this movie the first time, I went back the next day and saw it again. I was so glad I did.

Reading reviews from movie critics revealed very positive comments and reactions to this exciting film, but when I read viewers reviews, they averaged right in the middle. People who saw this film either hated it or loved it. I fall strongly in the latter category as this was different from anything I have seen before and the only movie that even remotely resembles some of the surprises in this film was “Sixth Sense.”

This is a thinking person’s movie about corporate espionage, greed, human nature and trust. Trust is a very important theme throughout. You have to pay very close attention to time – it shifts back and forth and sometimes it is not identified with graphics, i.e., Rome, 2 years earlier, so you must be vigilant. And you have to be paying attention to every conversation, because anything that is said, no matter how nuanced, can be a clue. You will be confused, enlightened and confused again. Do not focus on your confusion, just pay attention. The plot twists and turns at a dizzying pace and you begin to question reality.

The first time I saw it, I spent so much time wondering why I was confused and reeling at the revelations that I missed many clues and at the end, had trouble understanding how we got there. I spent a lot of time rethinking my assumptions and conclusions (obsessing is more like it) over clues and details. Normally, I have plots figured out before the end of the movie but this one took me entirely by surprise. Seeing it the second time, armed with the understanding of how I needed to watch this movie, I picked up on so many clues and secrets I missed the first time. I hope if you know this going in, it will enhance your viewing experience and you won’t have to see it twice to “get it.”

In conclusion: it’s baffling, thrilling, funny, and the chemistry between the stars is exciting. Also, there's no violence or graphic sex. Loved it!