The Double (2013)

A clerk in a government agency finds his unenviable life takes a turn for the horrific with the arrival of a new co-worker who is both his exact physical double and his opposite - confident, charismatic and seductive with women.

Director:

Richard Ayoade

Writers:

Fyodor Dostoevsky (novel), Richard Ayoade

Stars:

Jesse Eisenberg, Mia Wasikowska, Wallace Shawn

1 win & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jesse Eisenberg	...	Simon / James
Mia Wasikowska	...	Hannah
Wallace Shawn	...	Mr Papadopoulos
Yasmin Paige	...	Melanie
Noah Taylor	...	Harris
James Fox	...	The Colonel
Cathy Moriarty	...	Kiki
Phyllis Somerville	...	Simon's Mother
Gabrielle Downey	...	Strange Woman
Jon Korkes	...	Detective
Craig Roberts	...	Young Detective
Kobna Holdbrook-Smith	...	Guard / Doctor
Susan Blommaert	...	Liz
Bruce Byron	...	Skinhead
J. Mascis	...	Janitor (as J Mascis)

Storyline

Simon is a timid man, scratching out an isolated existence in an indifferent world. He is overlooked at work, scorned by his mother, and ignored by the woman of his dreams. He feels powerless to change any of these things. The arrival of a new co-worker, James, serves to upset the balance. James is both Simons exact physical double and his opposite - confident, charismatic and good with women. To Simons horror, James slowly starts taking over his life.

---

Plot Keywords:

double | office cubicle | employer employee relationship | lookalike | co worker | 

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Thriller

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 April 2014 (UK)

Also Known As:

Dvojnik

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$14,646, 11 May 2014, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$200,268, 15 August 2014

Company Credits

Production Co:

Alcove Entertainment, Attercop Productions, British Film Institute (BFI)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The piano motif throughout the film comes from the song 'Der Doppelgänger' by Franz Schubert; the words to this piece tell the tale of a man and his evil twin.

---

Quotes

The Colonel: There aren't too many like you. Are there, Simon?
Simon: I'd like to think I'm pretty unique.

---

Connections

References Brazil (1985)

---

Soundtracks

Akasaka Rain
aka "Ameno Akasaka"
Written by Jun Hashimoto, Tsunaki Mihara
Published by Watanabe Music Publishing Co. Ltd (c) 1968
Administered by Fairwood Music (UK) Ltd for the UK & Eire
Performed by The Blue Comets
Licensed courtesy Watanabe Music Publishing Co. Ltd
Administered by Fairwood Music (UK) Ltd for the UK & Eire

User Reviews

Be careful...

I would advise anyone who is thinking of watching this film to do a lot of research into this film before you go and see it. Whilst directed and produced beautifully it was possibly one of the most depressing and (unfortunately) tedious movies ever.

By the time the credits began to roll only half the audience remained.. The rest had walked out at various points throughout the film, not exactly withholding what they actually thought of the film. To say I personally was disappointed is an understatement, I was expecting far fa better, especially considering the cast and director. However, I do understand other reviewers comments, and would still advise you to give it a go if you've looked into it.