ENEMY (2014)

Direced By: Denis Villeneuve 
Written By: Javier Gullon 
Based On The Book By: Jose Saramago 
Cinematography By: Nicolas Buldoc 
Editor: Matthew Hannam 

Cast: Jake Gylenhaal, Sarah Gondon, Melanie Laurent, Isabella Rossellini, Joshua Pearce

A man seeks out his exact look-alike after spotting him in a movie.

Sure the shots and compositions are noteworthy, but there is little else.

The film takes what seems like a long time to paint a simple scenerio, that is interested in it's own experiment and exploration. That will leave some audience members cold, confused and bored. As the film seems more fun for those involved rather than the audience. As it seeks to eat to communicate something profound, but comes odd as more pretentious.

Watching the film personally reminded me of the box from HELLRAISER. That promises enlightenment and sensations that have never been felt. Then ends up torturing you. So much so you almost wish for death. Probably not that bad, but close enough to the feeling while watching this film.

It plays more like a tricky thesis then a film.

Rather than go big with story and production about finding someone who is identical. It decides to tell a tale of lust that involves more of a petty scenerio about coveting the other home life and relationships. Showcasing each side of a character. Wondering which one is real and which is a performance. As often switching between the two sides to appeal to others and get through the day. Questioning are there really two seperate people or one in the same leading a double life. The film presents one answer though lease clues or is to keep questioning of what we are seeing is truth and can the film actually be telling the truth. It keeps us questioning.

I wonder of this is director Denis Villeneuve own Steven Soderbergh like experimental films. Something to be done to sharpen his artistic skills as he delves into studio projects. Or maybe even those Soderbergh films like SCHIZOPOLIS. Where the director stars as well as directs the films that are deeply personal and while somewhat entertaining for an audience, is mainly an inside joke film that seems aimed for him to work out his own personal problems and drama, through his skills and what he does best making films where he finds his form of expression.

I enjoyed Jake Gyllenhaal as an actor and he is good here, but the film feels like a vanity project to a degree. For both it’s star and director. Right before they both went to work on the dark studio picture PRISONERS. Almost Like this was their own personal rehearsal for that picture. I will admit he is an actor i really enjoy in the right projects ( BUBBLE BOY, LOVELY & AMAZING, OCTOBER SKY) and believe him to be one of the best looking leading man types out there with the talent to back him up.

The running time if the film seems like much ado about nothing as we get the basics of the leads life that is boring and racking his brain as he is so square it seems his life is just mundane until this little twist. Then he has a mystery to solve and his life becomes more exciting, As he takes more risks and embarks on an adventure, That he has no idea where it will lead until he finds himself in his own nightmare that he started and can't seem to stop.

Once the other Character comes into play, The film picks up a little as the film seeks to try to fool the audience as to who is who? Who is playing who? For certain scenes and keep making us question is this all just in his head. According to the director, Denis Villeneuve, Javier Bardem was offered the lead role but the actor felt he didn't suit the character. Christian Bale was also offered the role and he wanted to do it but couldn't due to scheduling conflicts with other projects.

The ending seems to have a message about identity.

As looks and appearance are one thing, but behavior, details, personality those little traits you take for granted are what really define you.

At first the opening scene seems only there as a physical reference to accusations and references for characters in the film, but really seems to have any reason to be there except for some titillation and vice. Though the film has plenty of sex and nudity throughout (tastefully)

I found myself bored throughout the film maybe I just grew frustrated. I  found myself maybe not smart enough to understand only especially the ending that of course references the opening scene. This wouldn't be the first time nor last that a film will probably confuse me. The Michael Haneke film CACHE was the same for me.

This is a film you're best of paying attention to every minor detail to fully understand the significance. As the film went over my head and confused me throughout.

Spoilers

The cast signed a confidentiality agreement that doesn't allow them to speak and/or explain to the press the meaning of spiders in the movie.

While no explanation was given for the presence of spiders, it has been analyzed by many people that they represent as Adam/Anthony's weakness to women, making him less dominant.

Spoilers END

I like that the film makes you think and is dripping with originality, but again in the end feels like it is missing any meaning and is nothing but a trick. Truly making it feel like a independent Vanity project for all involved. With a sheen of art.

It's a shame especially as I am a huge fan of director Denis Villeneuve previous film INCENDERIES.

Grade: C