I saw Duplicity with a girlfriend and my overall impression was unfortunately largely coloured by her continual pleads of “What the fuck is going ON?” and the vocal kerfuffle of “This is SHIT!” from the droves of people leaving the cinema with their gargantuan sized popcorns and cokes.
It’s probably a compliment to any film to say “It just doesn’t work in a multiplex – in the western suburbs of Melbourne – where people think ’2 Fast 2 Furious’ is ‘kouta‘ and the very definition of high art.” People at Highpoint like their movies simple; action packed with lotsa tits, sex, guns and violence.
‘Duplicity’ possessed none of these attributes.
The film centres around a not so chance encounter between a CIA agent and an MI5 agent who subsequently each turn to corporate espionage. The plot meanders through a convoluted, non-linear structure that is difficult to follow but is engaging if you’re prepared to take the ride. Repetitive scenes have you wondering what the hell is going on but works largely due to the chemistry and sharp and witty banter between the two leads of Clive Owen and Julia Roberts and supporting actors including Paul Giamatti and Tom Wilkinson.
A particularly entertaining scene for me was the moment of introduction between Julia Roberts and Paul Giamatti in a bowling alley, with flashbacks of their first encounter in My Best Friend’s Wedding springing back to me.
Recommended for escapism and a celebration of movies devoid of tits, arse and guns but packed with humour, clever dialogue and Clive Owen.
Just don’t go to Highpoint to see it.
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i saw the commercial for this and it did absolutely nothing for me… no desire to see it.
p.s. i gave you a shout out today on my site…
When I went to see He’s Just Not That Into You at Highpoint recently one youngish person in a group sitting at the front of the cinema stood up at the end of the film and said ‘Thank God that’s over.’ They had spent almost the whole film talking and texting on their phones. Glad we were sitting in the middle of the cinema.
While I get they are teenagers on a diet of pure sugar and redbull, but why the fuck go see a film if you are not even going to try to engage with it? It is not like going to the movies is that cheap.
So I can empathize with you a bit about seeing films at Highpoint.
My dad is notorious for talking through a whole film and asking questions. I now feel like screaming ‘Just watch the fucking film and pay attention!’ So I now do not go and see films with anyone who asks questions during the film. I just can’t hack it… Pity the same rule does not apply to other audience members.
Clive Owen, ya say… that’ll do for me…
slyde: See it dude.
Ed: I had written a few paragraphs on this exact issue but scratched it. Shits me no end too. I dunno why it makes me grin that you went to see “He’s Just Not That Into You”…
KC: Absolutely. Clive is on my guilt free three list. Partner knows a big fantasy of mine is to hear Clive Owen whisper “Meschersmitt” in my ear. He’s in form in this flick.