Duplicity, starring Julia Roberts and Clive Owen, is a fun look at corporate espionage. Julia Roberts is ex-CIA operative Claire Stenwick and Clive Owen is ex-MI6 agent Ray Koval. They scheme to make $40 million through the use of the skills they acquired on the job. And of course they are romantically involved.
Their plan is to steal a product formula from of two rival corporations, and sell it to the highest bidder. Of course there are complications along the way. Can Claire and Ray trust each other? Is one of them playing the other? Which company is Claire really working for?
Adding to the fireworks is the personal rivalry between the the CEO’s of the two corporations, played by Paul Giamatti and Tom Wilkinson. The funniest scene in Duplicity occurs during the opening credits when the two unexpectedly attack each other. They meet on the tarmac of an airport, each with his corporate jet and staff in the background.
Generally, I enjoyed this movie. There are the expected twists and turns in the plot, with a few surprises. I’ve always thought that Julia Roberts was overrated as an actress, and I still think so. Clive Owen is a bit more convincing in his role. So-enjoy it; just don’t expect any earth shattering dramatics or rolling in the aisles comedy.
La Bibliofille 