Fridae

The first thing you notice is Julia Roberts: She is older, leaner and tenser. Her face has grown smaller, so her mouth looks wider now. She is still attractive. But there was a time when she was purely irresistible. Then you see Clive Owen enter.  He looks charming and sophisticated wearing Giorgio Armani – just as Richard Gere did in American Gigolo. He’s shed the scruffiness of his earlier screen image, and taken on a cool-cat persona that suits him.

They notice each other for the first time. They smile, flirt and tell each other they’re agents for their respective governments. Hours later, they f**k. The movie then jumps forward to 2008. The couple meets again, and pretends that it’s their first encounter. The movie then rewinds to 2006 for another encounter. And this goes on until you finally figure out who they are and what they’re after...

Duplicity, as its title suggests, is about secrets and lies, double-dealing and reversals.  It is both a romantic comedy and a corporate-espionage thriller. It’s sly, sexy and smart. And it keeps you guessing right to the end. Directed by Tony Gilroy (Oscar nominee for Michael Clayton), Duplicity is a movie for classy audiences who appreciate the intelligent banter between two seasoned players, both approaching middle age but still exuding much charm.

Julia Roberts may have lost her girlish appeal, but she hasn’t lost her sass. Clive Owen was never a pretty boy to begin with, and his craggy features look better with age. Their chemistry made the excellent 2004 drama Closer work. And their chemistry is what buoys Duplicity. Sure, the plot does get convoluted with the myriad twists and turns. But these two veteran actors, these two titans of charisma, are always fun to watch.