Duplicity

Clive Owen, aka The Stuff of Fantasies, is back with regular on-screen companions Julia Roberts and Paul Giamatti. This is Roberts’ first leading role since 2004’s Closer with Owen.

Owen and Roberts are lovers in this quick-witted comedy that’s cleverly disguised as an espionage thriller. MI6’s Ray Koval (Owen) and the CIA’s Claire Stenwick (Roberts) meet, click, and promptly tumble into bed after an American Embassy to-do in Dubai. After Koval wakes up he realises his feisty lover has made off with secret codes he was supposed to deliver—whoops! Years later the pair cross paths again in a war between two rival pharmaceutical corporations over a revolutionary secret product.

Julia Roberts has undoubtedly lost some of her lustre after a string of one-note flicks, but her age is a moot point in Duplicity and this role could spell a comeback, depending on who you ask (those below 18 need not apply). Robert’s sexy, seasoned flair and repartee is more than a match for cool and collected Clive Owen in this romantic spy film. We won’t say anymore because the less you know the better. Guiltlessly hand over that RM11. The ticket price is worth the plot twist alone — promise!

Cast Carrie Preston, Clive Owen, Julia Roberts, Paul Giamatti Director Tony Gilroy Runtime 125 mins

Text Maybritt Rasmussen

This review can also be found over here on KLue's website.

Article taken from KLue Magazine July 2009, Issue 129