Saw this movie years ago and had forgotten it, until recently a friend gave me a bunch of DVDs and Multiplicity was among the array.
It's a delightful little comedy - based on a fairly universal concept - because who hasn't said, 'Oh, if there was only 2 of me . . .'
Here, thru the magic of movies we get to see this idea take form and all the good & bad that ensues.
The premise; Keaton's character stressed-out Doug meets a certain scientist - and finally decides to try duplicating himself, and it seems to largely work out - so why not a 3rd for even more productivity?
The portrayal of each clone was quite creatively shown; original Doug is kind of an every-man - slightly above average, multi-faceted guy; husband, father, employee, and like all of us, spread thin. Life is demanding & stressful.
Doug 2 embodies the macho side of Doug, the skilled tradesman, takes care of business. Keaton portrays him as direct, to-the-point, slightly gruff/macho.
Doug 3 embodies the feminine, sensitive side of Doug. Here, Keaton portrays Doug 3 as very empathetic and helpful in all ways. He's a great cook & attentive to everyone's needs.
Then Dougs 2 & 3 sneak away and have a 4th Doug created!! Because it is a copy of a copy, Doug 4 is quite dummed-down which makes him hilarious - Keaton portrays him as something all between age 3 to an age 12 version of Doug.
Keeping in mind when each clone is made, they have all the past memories & experiences of original Doug - but everything from their new existence forward is autonomous - therefore none of the other Doug's knows what goes on when they're separated - one at work, one at home, etc.
And that's the extending premise that creates the funniest & hairiest situations!
The cast is great; Keaton is a really funny guy as well as a great dramatic actor. McDowell plays the perfect everywonan kind of wife & mother/career minded. The kids are there but don't really have many scenes - they are simply part of the complications equation like the jobs, the marriage, the home, and all the things that sometimes make us all feel we are spread too thin, and wish we could be in several places at once.
And because nearly everyone has felt that way, thats why this movie is so fun.
Great family popcorn night!
It's a delightful little comedy - based on a fairly universal concept - because who hasn't said, 'Oh, if there was only 2 of me . . .'
Here, thru the magic of movies we get to see this idea take form and all the good & bad that ensues.
The premise; Keaton's character stressed-out Doug meets a certain scientist - and finally decides to try duplicating himself, and it seems to largely work out - so why not a 3rd for even more productivity?
The portrayal of each clone was quite creatively shown; original Doug is kind of an every-man - slightly above average, multi-faceted guy; husband, father, employee, and like all of us, spread thin. Life is demanding & stressful.
Doug 2 embodies the macho side of Doug, the skilled tradesman, takes care of business. Keaton portrays him as direct, to-the-point, slightly gruff/macho.
Doug 3 embodies the feminine, sensitive side of Doug. Here, Keaton portrays Doug 3 as very empathetic and helpful in all ways. He's a great cook & attentive to everyone's needs.
Then Dougs 2 & 3 sneak away and have a 4th Doug created!! Because it is a copy of a copy, Doug 4 is quite dummed-down which makes him hilarious - Keaton portrays him as something all between age 3 to an age 12 version of Doug.
Keeping in mind when each clone is made, they have all the past memories & experiences of original Doug - but everything from their new existence forward is autonomous - therefore none of the other Doug's knows what goes on when they're separated - one at work, one at home, etc.
And that's the extending premise that creates the funniest & hairiest situations!
The cast is great; Keaton is a really funny guy as well as a great dramatic actor. McDowell plays the perfect everywonan kind of wife & mother/career minded. The kids are there but don't really have many scenes - they are simply part of the complications equation like the jobs, the marriage, the home, and all the things that sometimes make us all feel we are spread too thin, and wish we could be in several places at once.
And because nearly everyone has felt that way, thats why this movie is so fun.
Great family popcorn night!