The Double Blu-Ray Review
By: Matt C
I want to welcome Matt back with another DVD review he has provide us. Matt will become a regular on the site, so welcome him with open arms. Matt is also going to start and provide us with movie reviews for the site.
With the release of The Double this month on Blu-ray, one might wonder if the spy thriller genre has been oversaturated. Afterall, how could an independently-financed project with screenwriters Michael Brandt and Derek Haas (3:10 to Yuma and Wanted) penning and directing, be considered anything other than an over-blown version of 24? The answer might exist in the history of this genre. Throughout the 70’s-80’s, we saw few memorable attempts on television, like Airwolf and The Equalizer. But these masterpieces were few and far between. Instead, we were fed a steady diet of cheesy Bond flicks, with plot lines so thick you need a Q’s worth of plastiques just to get to the real plot. In the post-9/11 world, these western-style Cold War dramas have luckily matured for many. Films like the Bourne Identity franchise prove that good drama and action can dine at the same table. But for every Spy Game and 24, we’re still treated to an Enemy of the State and Die Another Day. The problem with these isn’t the genre itself, but in their execution. So, does The Double suffer from an over-convoluted plot line, crushing under its own weight, or does it rise above the rest of the 24 wanna-bes?
The Movie - 3.5/5
The Double exemplifies a simple truth in every modern spy thriller: convolution is the first on stage, and the last to leave. At first glance, Brandt and Haas have assembled all the pieces to tell a proper tale: a good cast and crew, a respected composer, and a story with all the requisite twists and turns that make up any good spy flick. The story centers around the hunt for retired Russian spy Paul Shepherdson, aka Cassius (Richard Gere, Pretty Woman), who played double agent/mole flawlessly while working for the CIA. I share this, not to spoil things, but because Haas and Brandt want you to know. The previews for The Double clearly spell this out. Our story tells how Gere keeps the CIA from capturing him, leading his former bosses through threats, misdirection, and murder. But this sort of unsavory conduct is a daily routine for Shepherdson, and he leaves a score of bodies for the CIA to mark and tag. But the cloak and dagger game ultimately encourages convolution. The strength of this story lies far beyond the hunt, but in the relationships that spies eventually make with regular people, sometimes leading to difficult choices when it's time to turn on their government. The Double, which was shown in only 45 theaters before being pulled after 3 weeks, is an excellent example of the way this genre has matured over the years. Take Gere's new CIA partner Ben Geary (Topher Grace, That 70's Show), who’s an expert on Cassius, even recognizing his favorite drink as Shepherdson pours it. Shepherdson respects Geary's command of Cassius' past, even accepting Geary's dinner invitations while maddening him through misdirection and assassinations right under his nose. Of course, Geary discovers Cassius' true identity, but not before the story takes us through a series of astonishing twists, leading to a wild reveal at the film's end. And while these moments could have been truly memorable, its effect is lost.
My concern wasn't with Gere, who posts a solid effort; it was the casting of Grace which left me wanting more. Grace is a comedy guy, not really capable or comfortable with the role of serious government agent; when discovers that Cassius and Shepherdson are one in the same, his reaction looks like someone who just lost his surfboard. These kinds of casting decisions can kill a film, and Grace's performance affects its outcome. Yet, supporting roles by Martin Sheen (The West Wing) and Stephen Moyer (True Blood) were very good and provide good balance for the film at the right times. I believe The Double’s failure lies squarely on the shoulders of inadequate marketing and casting. Had these been properly addressed, this film would have fared far better.
The Video - 4.5/5
The Double makes its debut in beautiful 1080p/MPEG-4 AVC. Its 2.40:1 aspect ratio provides video snobs with very nice eye candy: cinematographer Jeffrey Kimball (Mission Impossible II) creates several very cool 'looks' for this film: a washed-out memory one, complete with stark colors wrapped in graininess; a terrific indoor modern look, which is colorful and detailed; and a clear outdoor finish, which captures crowded streets and action scenes clearly and without artifacting. Kimball never lets look overtake tension, as viewers are given time to look behind Shepherdson’s shoulder for all the classic spy vehicles which appear frequently and without apology. This is an excellent transfer, especially considering its very limited release.
The Audio - 5/5
The Double is presented in 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, which immerses the viewer in a jungle of city sounds, radio chatter, and background office dialogue. Composer John Debney (Iron Man 2, Cutthroat Island) compliments Kimball’s solid cinematography at the right times. It’s sad that Debney never proper credit for his work, but this soundtrack is worthy of further investigation. In the end, Debney strolls in the shadows of this spy soundtrack quite well. Like the video presentation, I was thoroughly impressed with the audio release.
Supplements - 3/5
The addition of a slipcase is a welcomed addition. Yet, the flimsy amaray box has got to go. Also, there’s no inner artwork behind the outer paper. And once again, we are forced to endure a lack of extras. I would say that what you do see is effective, and even insightful, and presented in HD. I just wish there was more:
· Commentary with Writer-Director Michael Brandt and Writer-Producer Derek Haas: Haas and Brandt take us through a treasure-trove of information including the script's background and their decision to change the films structure in the editing room.
· Producer Interviews (HD; 1.78:1; 7:49): This featurette contains the usual interviews with the actors and creators of the film.
· Trailer (HD; 2.35:1; 2:26): Watch the preview before seeing this film, as I should have done. It provides you Shepherdson’s secret which should place you in the proper frame of mind to enjoy the film.
The Bottom Line - 4/5
Let’s be clear: The Double is not Spy Game or Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy: its casting errors and 98-minute run time don’t give us enough opportunity to see the story fleshed out as it should have been. Grace’s casting is a problem as well. And while the case is cheap and supplements a little thin, the transfer is excellent and really contributes to a surprising finish. Its poor theatrical showing should not be a comment on its lack of quality (and you can get over Grace), because while it's not perfect The Double is really good. It's a fun ride, and at least worthy of a rental.
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