Jesse Eisenberg as both Simon and James gives two brilliant performances.
The
world The Double is set that of an inexact locale with a bizarre yet
timeless fell. The technology present throughout resembles some form
of aberration of seventies technology whose functionality seems
unwieldy at best as if the world is being constricted by the rules
that govern and unable to grow. This is combined with numerous accents on display,
which combined with some delightful and purposeful drab
cinematography creates a world that is immediately recognizable when
one simply looks at one part, but as a whole is otherworldly.
In
this world a young timed man called Simon lives. Simon is a young,
timid man who lives his life in loneliness, but desperately seeks to
connect with others. He works long hours as a clerk in a government
agency where he along with his own work does others with no thanks.
Only leaving when only those left cleaning where he works remain.
From every angle Simon is thoroughly ignored and beaten down by the
society he lives and is regarded as being completely forgettable by
those who do recognize him. Simon in particular yearns to connect
with a young woman called Hannah that he creates reasons to see
whilst at work and also watches from his apartment with a telescope.
Just as it seems as if he may have made some progress a man called
James enters his life.
The cinematography is gorgeous and helps create a film with
a very otherworldly feel.
James
is physically an exact double of Simon, however Simon acts and is
viewed by the world is the reverse of James. Brimming with confidence
Simon is quick to get to know Simon, and quickly uses Simon to
quickly rise in the ranks. In many ways Simon has numerous traits
that one would associate with a sociopath and is happy to use anyone
if it is of benefit to himself, which leads to Simon's world crashing
lower from its already largely intolerable state.
In
spite of this The Double whilst never promoting uncontrollable
laughter is frequently amusing and never enters the territory of
being depressing thanks to the largely self concious tone present
throughout. Jesse Eisenberg as Simon and James along with ever
reliable Mia Wasikowska as Hannah excel in their roles and in spite
of the odd world presented or the self concious tone provide for some
genuine heart that could very easily have been missing. Likewise the
sound design and the music composed by Andrew Hewitt perfectly
reinforce what is happening in a way that has the film swing
seamlessly from quirky to a film with dramatic weight behind it. Andrew Hewitt's score is
particularly memorable and helps in reinforcing the odd tone already present throughout, along with highlighting key moments with a unique and score that manages to come ever so close to being over bearing whilst never becoming so.
Despite
of the praise above The Double is a film that from the first frame to
the last is a film that is clearly going to divide audiences. In
spite of this The Double is more then endearing enough to come with
my highest recommendation and I can't wait to see what the director
(Richard Ayoade) does in the future.
