Review of Duplicity (2009) by Brad G — 28 Dec 2009

If not for my irrational disdain for Julia Roberts I think I would have tremendously enjoyed Duplicity. But for whatever reason, the sight & sound of the so-called Pretty Woman drives my eyes to roll and mumbles to grumble.

So, letâ??s put my irrational hate asideâ?¦like Michael Clayton, Tony Gilroy has directed a pretty picture. The opening credits with its jazzy comic score and slow-motion brawling between jowlish Paul Giamatti and Tom Wilkinson is quite beautiful.

Clive Owen is slick, badass as usual, and truly at home playing a roguish corporate spy (no one wants the everyday father from Derailed). As mentioned, Giamatti and Wilkinson are fantastic as sparring CEOs, but youâ??ve also got some nice turns from bit actors like Kathleen Chalfant, Wayne Duvall, and the mysteriously creepy Dennis Oâ??Hare.

So, if not for that boring Julia Roberts it would probably get four stars. VF.