Duplicity DVD Review

August 25th, a part romantic comedy, part crime thriller movie hit stores with the DVD release of Duplicity. This Universal Pictures film stars the duo of Clive Owen and Julia Roberts who play undercover CIA operatives who decide it might be better to work together to cash in as opposed to competing for secrets on the inside of top companies.

When Ray Koval (Roberts) and Claire Stenwick (Roberts) get romantically involved in the midst of “gaming” each other for their respective agencies, they soon discover that the access to information they have could provide them both a payday and a chance to take their romance on the outside. The challenge is, their careers have trained them not to trust anyone, making their budding romance difficult.

All Ray and Claire need is the opportunity to obtain confidential product information in order to sell it on the open market. A new formula to cure baldness is the perfect opportunity. They develop an elaborate plot to capture the formula without getting noticed, and to sell it for millions. The trick is, while working together, they are also fighting the temptation to question each other’s motives.

Duplicity is a movie that is delivered in a back and forth manner with the story simultaneously being played out in the present, with interludes that reference previous conversations and happenings. This ultimately adds to the film’s value, though it is extremely difficult to follow if you are not fully engaged.

If you have never been a Julia Roberts fan, you probably won’t be overly fond of her in this movie. Aside from two great character roles (Erin Brockovich and Pretty Woman), an argument that she is overrated as an actress would be tough to argue. Owen is tremendous, though, and delivers a nice combination of suave and witty.

Your reaction to Duplicity is sure to be largely based by your mood at the time of viewing and your ability to follow the plot. Keeping up with things helps you appreciate the intelligence in the directing and writing provided by Tony Gilroy. If you get lost, it is hard to appreciate the entertainment value. Paul Giammati and Tom Wilkinson are excellent in supporting, competing roles.

Running Time: 125 minutesDVD Release Date:August 25, 2009

Director: Tony Gilroy

DVD Review by Neil of Movie Room Reviews

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