Review of Enemy (2014) by Marcmifsud — 09 Feb 2019

BREAKDOWN.

Writing (Josè Saramago (novel)/Javier Gullòn): 'Enemy' shines in some aspects of its writing and raises questions in others. The dialogue is wonderfully written and feels natural when coupled with the performances. The general plot is weird and surreal without being convoluted. In addition, the order of events feels motivated and gives some unexpected payoff, without leaving a ridiculously open ending. The only downside, though, and this may just be a fault in my analysis, is the spiders seem to have no connection to the story. I have been trying to piece it together since watching it, but I can't figure it out. Perhaps it has to do with a web of connected lives or something allegorical. There is also not enough to hint at why Anthony and Adam are basically clones. 7/10.

Performances: The cast absolutely shines. Jake Gyllenhaal somehow manages to convince us that there are two of him, each one with different personalities and quirks, but yet is connected by a one or more traits, besides them both being Jake Gyllenhaal. Even the supporting cast is wonderful. Melanie Laurent is fantastic despite not shining until the end and Sarah Gadon pulls off a beautifully emotional performance. 10/10.

Cinematography (Nicolas Bolduc): The camerawork in this film is nothing flashy, but yet is an aid in connecting us emotionally with the characters. The most impressive aspect of the cinematography is the fact that Nicolas Bolduc was able to make the characters' lives feel the same through the framing and lighting. 8/10.

Editing (Matthew Hannam): There were some choices in cutting the footage that felt wrong. Some cuts were out of place and threw off a scene. However, in some places, the editing made a scene great. 6/10.

Visual Effects: The visual effects with the spiders were well-done and felt real while also fantastical. The last spider, however, could have felt a bit more realistic. It just looked too smooth. 7/10.

Enjoyment: 'Enemy' is a movie that will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what the f*ck is going on. It's excellent to watch as a mind trip and definitely deserves rewatches to piece together the plot more, which I will be doing at some point! 9/10.

Musical Score (Danny Bensi/Saunder Jurriaans): The score is beautiful and really makes the mood of each scene. Sometimes the score even speaks for the characters. After hearing this score, I can tell why Denis worked with Johann Johannson so much in future films. 9/10.

Sound Mixing: 'Enemy' doesn't play with the sound mixing and foley in any interesting ways. In fact, it could have been smoothed out in some spots where room tone and sound effects were added in over no dialogue to, probably, cover up the director giving cues. 5/10.

Production Design (Patrice Vermette): The production design is the silent hero of this flick. Anthony Claire's apartment is wonderfully crafted and gives off the vibe of his character before we even see him. And that in comparison to Adam Bell's apartment really show the contrast between the characters. 9/10.

'Enemy' is a mind-boggling trip that confuses and intrigues while providing some of the best performances of the decade.