Duplicity

After the fourth plot twist in Duplicity, my head was spinning, but I kinda liked it. From writer/director Tony Gilroy of Michael Clayton fame, Duplicity is a big, classic, movie star movie. And it has a nice political/spy twist to boot.

I guess I've never really thought Julia Roberts was a great actress so much as she is a great movie star. That's not to say that she didn't deserve her Oscar (although that's highly debatable, given her competition that year). But she's got her appeal, and she handily carries this film along with Clive Owen, another actor who continues to climb on my ladder o' respectability. The two previously worked together in Closer, but Duplicity allows them to shine for exactly what they are: pretty movie stars that know how to get the job done and have a good time doing it. Luckily, all that fun shines through and translates to the audience.

It's a different kind of film compared to those of late. It's not cynically funny, it's not full of pop culture references, and it certainly does not have a simple plot. Duplicity is intelligent, fast-paced, humorous, and rather pleasant. Like a warm blanket on a rainy day. Roberts is Claire Stenwick, and ex-CIA agent who works for Burkett and Randle, but she is really a corporate spy for B&R's rival company Equikrom. Meanwhile, Ray Koval (Owen) is an ex-MI6 agent who also works for Equikrom. Or does he? He and Claire become involved, things get complicated, plot twists abound. And that's about all I'm willing to reveal. No spoilers here.

The film also features excellent and hilarious turns from Paul Giamatti and Tom Wilkinson as the CEO's of the two firms. As corporate competitors, the two constantly try to one-up each other, playing with millions of dollars and skirting their ethics in the process. Theirs is the subplot that reveals more about the message of the film than the main plot is able to do. Gilroy may be going for satire here, but he may also be hinting at a bigger problem with capitalism and the corporate world in general (that's Hollywood for you!).

Either way, Roberts and Owen steal the show, and you'll be glad you could visit with them. Duplicity is a good ride, despite the growing convolution. It all makes sense in the end, though. So if you're scratching your head after the one hour mark, just look at Julia's mouth. I think it's bigger than last time I saw it, but it's still a symbol of grand old Hollywood star power. And isn't that really what this movie is all about?

VERDICT:
I can't tell you not to see this movie. Really, I enjoyed it quite a bit. If you're a fan of the political thriller (with a taste of humor), the excitement of plot twisty movies, or just the magnetism of Julia Roberts and Clive Owen, I recommend seeing Duplicity. It's a fun time, and it's a hell of a relief to see a movie that's not caught up in its own irony for once. 8/10