Review of The Devil's Double (2011) by Luke B — 12 Nov 2011

A look into the seedy and disgusting world of Uday Hussein and his unfortunate body double. This is like the Prince and the Pauper, if the prince were a homicidal rapist. The film prays on our fears of helplessness as Latif is forced to do Uday's bidding, or his family will be punished.

Dominic Cooper is incredible in a double performance, where you soon forget he is playing both parts. His Uday is a cartoon villain that is kind of dorky, but he knows how to capture the manic violence.

As Latif he is a strong but broken man, who in a way inspires those around him to stand up to Uday. The film does well to shock, without ever becoming too gratuitous. Sometimes it shows the violence, sometimes the aftermath, and sometimes the mere mention of what has happened is enough to make you cringe.

Tamahori, as his past would suggest, is more comfortable with action than outand out tension. Something tells me I should have been as scared of Uday as I am of Pesci in Scorsese films. This isn't Cooper's fault, but the fast nature of the movie and the blaring 80's soundtrack.

People can debate whether any of this is true or not, but the film makes for a diabolical treat, one that doesn't glorify a life of excess.