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 | |
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Gabrielle Downey | ... | Strange Woman |
Jon Korkes | ... | Detective | |
Craig Roberts | ... | Young Detective | |
Kobna Holdbrook-Smith | ... | Guard / Doctor | |
Susan Blommaert | ... | Liz | |
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Bruce Byron | ... | Skinhead |
J. Mascis | ... | Janitor (as J Mascis) |
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. Written by StudioCanal
This is the second feature film from Richard Ayoade after his quirky debut Submarine. Loosely based on the Dostoevsky novel the story follows Simon James - a quiet, timid character living in a bleak, soulless world where he goes unnoticed by his boss, the cute photocopier girl and even his own mother. Then one day James Simon appears, an exact double of Simon except he's better at everything in life - he has the cocky charm, he worms his way to the top in work and even gets the girls.
This is a dark, moody comedy peppered with some hilarious dialogue and genuine pathos although it doesn't quite fulfil its early expectations. The real highlight here is Ayoade's directorial style with real shades of Terry Gilliam in its surrealist approach to the world he has created. He cranks up the volume of everyday things like taps running or footsteps to build tension up in scenes and Jesse Einsberg is perfect casting for playing both roles.
A real curious piece but one which deserves an audience and suggests Ayoade is on track to become a real tour de force.