YOU CAN’T ESCAPE YOURSELF.
When history professor Adam Bell (Jake Gyllenhaal) is watching a movie, he realizes that one of the actors looks exactly like him; he becomes obsessed and tries to make contact… One of Denis Villeneuve’s most ambitious films is not easily penetrated. Exploring mental conditions and a state of fear, the film creates an oppressive atmosphere as the lives of the doppelgängers become entwined in uncomfortable ways. Interesting and well-acted, with an unforgettable ending, but fails to engage our emotions for the two very different Gyllenhaals (or their wife/girlfriend).
2014-Canada. 90 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Denis Villeneuve. Novel: José Saramago (“The Double”). Cinematography: Nicolas Bolduc. Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal (Adam Bell/Anthony Claire), Mélanie Laurent (Mary), Sarah Gadon (Helen Claire), Isabella Rossellini.
Trivia: Javier Bardem and Christian Bale were allegedly considered for the lead.
