In a rare while, along comes a movie which challenges the audience's intellect because of its intricate plotting and intriguing sequencing of scenes. "Duplicity" is an example of such a movie that keeps you guessing to the very end. The opening sequence shows our leads meeting in a party in Dubai and that liaison ends in a double-cross. The next scene is an inexplicable rain-drenched exaggerated slow-motion fight scene between two men in an airport. From such an unorthodox incongruous beginning unfolds the tale of a large-scale confidence scam that spans five years in the making.
Aside from the smart story and witty script, "Duplicity" surely does not shy from star power as well. Julia Roberts (as Claire) is so striking beautiful a con artist that you know she could manipulate you with a mere smile. Clive Owen (as Ray) uses his sad-sack charm to great advantage as well in his role. Tom Wilkinson (as Tully) and Paul Giamatti (as Garsik) play it over-the-top in their portrayal of rival business magnates, both using the most modern intel personnel and technology to gain access to each other's latest corporate moves.
We do not get the story in chronological order, as the scenes go back and forth in time. You, the audience, are kept on your toes in order to keep up with what is going on. You know you need to hang on to every word that is exchanged so as not to get lost in the plot. As the elaborate con set-up shapes up, the dialogue drips with suspicion and double-cross. The sense of irony and humor energizes the script. They even manage to sneak romance somewhere in there. Another triumph for writer-director Tony Gilroy after the Bourne series and "Michael Clayton". I loved it! Haha! A definite must-see!
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