Upon attending the New York Premier last evening at the Ziegfeld Theater, I found myself in awe, relieved and pleased. Amidst the flash bulbs, the press, the paparazzi and the glamor, there emerged a "Film" in every true sense of the word. As the crowd settled and the curtain lifted, I'm not sure anyone quite knew what to expect. From the quirky trailers (which have caused the film more harm than the studios may have initially thought) to the various negative pre-release responses, I held my breath.
As a screenwriter, Tony Gilroy is a force to be reckoned with. There is an eloquence and sophistication to his dialog that is rarely seen in modern day cinema. Lines that are delivered by Owen and Roberts are sharp, witty, edgy and intelligent. Naturally, when you throw these two "A List" stars into the mix, what rises on screen is pure cinematic beauty. Both Julia and Clive, seem comfortable and natural in their roles as lovers/operatives and the chemistry is at often times dazzling to watch.
As a Director, Gilroy always pays careful, particular attention to detail. A sly smile, a nod, a toss of the hair as well as a hilarious super slow motion fight scene between Paul Giamatti and Tom Wilkinson to open the picture.
Editing is tops, experimenting and breaking new ground with split screen that hasn't been utilized so well since vintage DePalma. Through precision cutting by John Gilroy (none other than Tony's brother) everything manages to be tied together in a neat little package.
Overall, Duplicity makes you think. It forces the mind to watch, listen, observe, break down and focus in order for it to be enjoyed to its fullest. As audience members of the 21st century, we are all accustomed to and subjected to more mindless entertainment at the movies than twenty minutes of prime time MTV. In this harsh reality, Duplicity is a refreshing change of pace that presents itself to us as a challenge, a test ready to be taken and more than likely aced.
As a screenwriter, Tony Gilroy is a force to be reckoned with. There is an eloquence and sophistication to his dialog that is rarely seen in modern day cinema. Lines that are delivered by Owen and Roberts are sharp, witty, edgy and intelligent. Naturally, when you throw these two "A List" stars into the mix, what rises on screen is pure cinematic beauty. Both Julia and Clive, seem comfortable and natural in their roles as lovers/operatives and the chemistry is at often times dazzling to watch.
As a Director, Gilroy always pays careful, particular attention to detail. A sly smile, a nod, a toss of the hair as well as a hilarious super slow motion fight scene between Paul Giamatti and Tom Wilkinson to open the picture.
Editing is tops, experimenting and breaking new ground with split screen that hasn't been utilized so well since vintage DePalma. Through precision cutting by John Gilroy (none other than Tony's brother) everything manages to be tied together in a neat little package.
Overall, Duplicity makes you think. It forces the mind to watch, listen, observe, break down and focus in order for it to be enjoyed to its fullest. As audience members of the 21st century, we are all accustomed to and subjected to more mindless entertainment at the movies than twenty minutes of prime time MTV. In this harsh reality, Duplicity is a refreshing change of pace that presents itself to us as a challenge, a test ready to be taken and more than likely aced.