Julia Roberts, Clive Owen get personal
'Duplicity' runs viewers through lustful maze of dishonesty, betrayal
Derek Hart
Issue date: 4/3/09 Section: Features
The Webster dictionary defines "duplicity" as a "deception by pretending to entertain one set of intentions while acting under the influence of another."
After a viewing of Universal Pictures' 'Duplicity,' I would define it as a deranged love story tangled within a cold war between two major corporate companies.
Confusing, I know.
The movie begins as Ray Koval, played by Clive Owen, runs into Claire Stenwick, played by Julia Roberts, at a Fourth of July party held by government officials. Stenwick, who at the time works for the CIA, drugs Koval, who is a M16 agent, after the two sleep together. She then steals classified information and leaves Koval lying on the bed. Eighteen hours later, Koval wakes up with his life turned upside down.
From here the "duplicity" begins to unravel. For the next hour and a half viewers are led through a lustful and untruthful maze that continuously turns both Koval's and Stenwick's lives upside down. The biggest turn, however, comes after the two complete a job while working undercover in the middle of a heated corporate battle between industry giant Howerd Tully, played by Tom Wilkinson, and the off-the charts CEO Dick Garsil, played by Paul Giamatti.
Five years after their initial meeting, Koval and Stenwick find themselves working side-by-side in efforts to steal the magic formula for an upcoming product by Tully that would make them millions of dollars.
Stenwick, who works for Tully and is a mole, sets up the initial plan inside the company while Koval works on the exiting plan. Coincidently, Koval works for Garsil who has set up the mole-group that Stenwick is already working for. Koval and Stenwick believe they have the perfect plan to steal the formula and escape with ease, but only one thing stands in front of them: their skewed love affair.
Director Tony Gilroy did a great job of mixing chick flick with adventure by keeping me interested throughout the movie with spontaneous twists and turns. The surreptitious love affair between Koval and Stenwick also provides an emotional connect with viewers while maintain a comical aspect. It's truly a unique mixture that makes this movie a one-of-a-kind.
I would rate this movie two out of four stars. If you are looking for a good movie to go see with your significant other, this is a strong possibility. Otherwise, save your $8 and Redbox it in four months. For movie times in the Des Moines area, visit mrmovietimes.com.
After a viewing of Universal Pictures' 'Duplicity,' I would define it as a deranged love story tangled within a cold war between two major corporate companies.
Confusing, I know.
The movie begins as Ray Koval, played by Clive Owen, runs into Claire Stenwick, played by Julia Roberts, at a Fourth of July party held by government officials. Stenwick, who at the time works for the CIA, drugs Koval, who is a M16 agent, after the two sleep together. She then steals classified information and leaves Koval lying on the bed. Eighteen hours later, Koval wakes up with his life turned upside down.
From here the "duplicity" begins to unravel. For the next hour and a half viewers are led through a lustful and untruthful maze that continuously turns both Koval's and Stenwick's lives upside down. The biggest turn, however, comes after the two complete a job while working undercover in the middle of a heated corporate battle between industry giant Howerd Tully, played by Tom Wilkinson, and the off-the charts CEO Dick Garsil, played by Paul Giamatti.
Five years after their initial meeting, Koval and Stenwick find themselves working side-by-side in efforts to steal the magic formula for an upcoming product by Tully that would make them millions of dollars.
Stenwick, who works for Tully and is a mole, sets up the initial plan inside the company while Koval works on the exiting plan. Coincidently, Koval works for Garsil who has set up the mole-group that Stenwick is already working for. Koval and Stenwick believe they have the perfect plan to steal the formula and escape with ease, but only one thing stands in front of them: their skewed love affair.
Director Tony Gilroy did a great job of mixing chick flick with adventure by keeping me interested throughout the movie with spontaneous twists and turns. The surreptitious love affair between Koval and Stenwick also provides an emotional connect with viewers while maintain a comical aspect. It's truly a unique mixture that makes this movie a one-of-a-kind.
I would rate this movie two out of four stars. If you are looking for a good movie to go see with your significant other, this is a strong possibility. Otherwise, save your $8 and Redbox it in four months. For movie times in the Des Moines area, visit mrmovietimes.com.
Be the first to comment on this story