The Double

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes
Watched With: Cicely

Richard Ayoade's latest is a very dark and humorous take on Dostoevsky's doppelgänger novella of the same name. Set in a dark retro-futuristic dystopia, with a very controlled pallet and noirish lighting. I really love the look and style of the film. The noise sound design and the score, even the odd retro foreign music tracks in the soundtrack create an interesting flavour for the world. 

Jesse Eisenberg plays the two characters and it's great fun watching him play off himself. The rest of the supporting cast are good and it's amazing to see so many interesting faces pop up for bit parts. Especially the amazing sic-fi television show within the film. 

The tone is very odd but consistent. It's got a very awkward and abrupt energy that flows through the pacing of the writing, the performances and the editing. It has the ability to make you really anxious coupled with much nervier laughter at the absurdity of it all. It's equally frustrating and funny. I really loved that. Definitely one to check out.