The Devil's Double Review

“The Devil’s Double”

Directed by: Lee Tamahori

Written by: Michael Thomas (based on the novel by Latif Yahia)

Theatrical Release Date: July 29, 2011

DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: November 22, 2011

Rated: R for strong brutal bloody violence and torture, sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and pervasive language

Review by: Sean Kayden

“The Devil’s Double,” based on the novel by Latif Yahia, is the disturbing true story of a man who is forced to become the double to Saddam Hussein’s sadistic son. While it didn’t do too much damage at the box office this past summer, you’ll get another opportunity to catch this hidden gem as it’s hitting DVD/Blu-ray on November 22. In all honesty, I really had no idea what to expect from “The Devil’s Double”. I went into blindly and came out completely enthralled by the very essence of it. Make no mistake, the film isn’t all that deep or intricate, but the electrifying, career-making performance by Dominic Cooper is worth the price of admission and then some. Cooper takes on the dual roles of Latif Yahia, an Iraqi soldier from an upper class family and the unpredictably insane Uday Hussein. Cooper, a supporting character in this summer’s mega blockbuster, “Captain America” has officially entered leading man status. In the film, Latif is strong-armed into becoming Uday’s double because of the potential threat of an assassination on him (just like his father). Latif, feeling nothing but dead, doesn’t always comply with Uday’s orders. This becomes a problem for Uday, but he knows that he created Latif and owns him. Latif finds himself in a physical relationship with one of Uday’s women and that raises a major problem in act three. While initially it’s a risky move by Latif, the every idea of it becomes a bit under-cooked, especially in the final stages of the film. Regardless, Cooper’s dual performance elevates the movie from being pretty good to being borderline great.

Despite the indelible acting presentation, the movie has it share of flaws and demonstrates slight repetitiveness with all the sex and violence. However, don’t get me wrong, it’s an absolute blast to take in. “The Devil’s Double” is one of the coolest, sexiest, and most violent films of the year. While not for everyone, those who enjoy a departure from mundane boring life will be undoubtedly glued to the screen while watching it. The plot is fairly loose, which is a series of events that occur leading up to Latif making a run for it. Whatever shortcomings there are in the script are almost completely forgivable because Cooper is simply brilliant in his dual portrayals. I really can’t say enough about this Oscar level performance that sadly won’t even be on the minds of Academy voters early next year.

Across the board, everything from the beautiful set design, to the killer 80s soundtrack, to the polished and stunning cinematography, to the ultra slick direction were top notch. Director Lee Tamahori (“Die Another Day”, “The Edge”) shaped a very sleek and tight thriller with “The Devil’s Double” that provided unsettling chills on more than one occasion. It’s devastating that the movie only received a super limited release because if it had better marketing and advertising, then just maybe it could have found its footing in a rather stale summer movie season. All I can say is shame on you, Lionsgate. At any rate, I found “The Devil’s Double” to be absolutely engrossing, outrageously entertaining and bat-shit crazy. This movie ranks among my favorites of the year. Not to mention, be on the lookout for Dominic Cooper because the guy is the next big thing for all the right reasons.

Grade: 4 out of 5

Published on November 19th, 2011 by Mountain Views News
http://mtnviewsnews.com/v05/htm/n47/p11.htm