‘THE DOUBLE’ (2011)

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My “love affair” with whodunits and thrillers goes back years ago and ever since then, you don’t have to work hard to convince me to see the new ones. This film has an all-star cast but I knew next to nothing about it. the double

The Double (2011) Film Review

Giving his entire life to CIA, Paul Shepherdson (Richard Gere) is now a lonely man in retirement. Aside from attending the occasional little league game, his days aren’t fulfilling. With no wife or children, he lets obsession over hunting the assassin known as “Cassius” be his life. Investigation signs point to the man as a soviet operative with a very specific signature in his kills. Now his former boss (Martin Sheen) recruits him again when Cassius resurfaces to take out a senator. Sure the assassin is dead, Paul is not for the idea of coming back or pairing with an eager, young FBI agent, Ben Geary (Topher Grace). Only trouble is, like Paul, Ben has an unhealthy fixation with Cassius.

For a little known indie film, or this is the assumption since the opening titles boast no major production company, this thriller isn’t half-bad. However, it’s the ‘bad’ half that leaves much to be desired. The opening of the movie is ill equipped to be informative. I admire it on some level because its confusion does pique interest, but at the same time, you need to start the story off with a clear head. If you can stick with the film for about fifteen minutes, you should be able to see it through because once everything starts connecting and our two male protagonists meet, the plot thickens and begins to get interesting.

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‘THE DOUBLE’ (2011). Topher Grace (Home Economics) and Richard Gere co-star in this thriller. #Moviearchives Share on X

On reflection, if there is something about this film that impresses, it’s an ease and ability to create a back-and-fourth guessing game. Because of that, writers do take some risks to keep the script sharp and nerve-wrecking though ultimately, I’m not sure that pays off.  Making up for this is the cast; all of whom are phenomenal. Gere doesn’t always make the most compelling character but he brings versatility to the role. Though her part is small, we sympathize with Natalie (Odette Anabel). the double

In the genre, this is not the most dynamic thriller and is in fact, quite unforgettable at credits end but it’s an entertaining diversion. There’s some noble actions, like sacrifice but the script leaves us with an awful feeling. As a viewer, we feel as if we don’t know anyone’s identity, and for a girl who loves to root for heroes, this is not comforting. In fact, it’s downright creepy.

Content: There is quite a lot of profanity including GD. Several people die when wire slices open their throat; the camera always shows the body in a pool of blood. There’s an exchange of gunfire in the climax and the opening in edition to a car chase scene. The film is PG13.