JvH48

(2012-05-01 17:54:21)

Entertaining inside view in the former Baghdad. Some discomforting parts, but without political intentions (quote from film maker)

I saw "The Devil's Double" at the Berlinale 2011. An unusual largenumber (over 300) stayed for the full 30 minutes of Q&A after thescreening. The producer warned us that we should expect not too much ofthe political impact of this film. It is better (his words) to regardit as just a gangster movie. We also learned that the stand-insituation that seemed compressed here in a smaller time frame, in factexisted for a full 4 years. We saw that Latif succeeded in keeping hishands reasonably clean, but it cannot have been real for such a timespan. We still may wonder how much of this life he was pulled-in,against his will and his nature, but nevertheless being part of it.According to the film maker, what we saw was in more respects notcompletely accurate. Some freedom was exercised while portraying thesituation in Baghdad at that time. The existence of stand-in's,however, was realistic and publicly known. That went as far as showingthem openly, if only to confuse potential attackers. It certainlyreduced the risk in public appearances, since one could never knowwhether you saw the real one, or a double dressed and acting like thereal one.There were also questions about using English as the prime language.The producer had some arguments in favor of the choices made. Firstly,raising a 50M budget for a movie with Arabic speaking actors, wasconsidered a Mission Impossible. Also, English is generally accepted asthe standard movie language, spoken by Roman emperors as well as aliensfrom other planets.The Q&A also revealed some facts about how Dominic Cooper handled hisdouble role. We now know that he played both roles on the same day,given the entourage and colleague actors present that day. He alwaysplayed the "lunatic" parts first, and (without much time in between)the "Latif" parts shortly after that. Of course, there was a challengein keeping track of the places where the counterpart actor stood atparticular moments during the scene. Anyway, if he missed a few andlooked in a wrong direction at some instances, I did not notice it andI think the same of other people seeing this film for the first time.At various moments throughout the screening the notion crossed my mindthat this movie could be construed as a justification of overturningthe Sadam regime, or (in other words) as propaganda in favor of GeorgeW for a completed project in Iraq. In retrospect, I don't think such ahidden meaning was intended. The film was not against Sadam as adictator in particular, but rather against dictators in general. Theyexisted and ruled since the time of the Roman emperors (and probablybefore that), and still are ruling nowadays in countries all over theworld. We see the wrong side effects of unlimited power. We also seehow uncooperative people were regarded "that is the thanks we get foruplifting this country" (or variations thereof).Political issues and hidden meanings set aside, we saw a wellconstructed story line, believable casting, and an inside view in thepalace and its inhabitants at that time. One can argue about thetorture, punishment and other violent scenes, that these better couldbe left out, or otherwise included implicitly by telling about it(without showing actual pictures). On the other hand, leaving these outwould change the film too much into a costume drama, thereby reducingthe impact it now will have on the average viewer. Anyway, it is easyfor us to criticize choices being made by the film makers. In myopinion they did their job very well, all things considered.

Melina Gunnett

(2012-04-30 23:28:37)

Worth seeing, but you can wait for the video.

This is the story of Latif Yahia during the period of his life when hewas forced to play body double for Uday Hussein. The extreme power,wealth and privilege of the Hussein family stands against the backdropof a war they started (the Gulf War between Iraq and Kuwait). At it'sheart this film is about the fear generated by one powerful, violentand insane man and how people learn to live with him.Dominic Cooper played both of the lead roles, Uday Hussein and LatifYahia, and was amazing. His performance was so exceptional that it mademe really, really want to like this movie. Unfortunately, Copper'sperformance aside, the best I can say was not bad.The film starts out with a montage of real life war clips from the GulfWar, interspersed with clips of Latif being taken to see Uday. Sadly,it then jumps straight into him being forced to work for Uday as hisdouble. It didn't give much of a build up or give me much of a reasonto care about Latif beyond him being a fellow human in a bad situation.Uday is excessive in every way. Drugs, sex and violence are the norm inhis life and he leaves a tail of damaged people and bodies wherever hegoes. Most of the sex and violence in the movie is to portray thisextreme but the viewer should be warned that there is a lot of it.All in all, this one gets a "wait for the video" from me.

numb_asif

(2012-04-30 01:48:25)

A Book Brought To Life.

"The Devil's Double",as many of you know a book written by Latif Yahiahimself about the demented time that was forced on him by Uday SaddamHossain. The movie projects hard on reality of how cruel andunrealistic the world can be and in the same time showing a glimpse of80-90's colors in the life of every characters. The start of the filmis the beginning which everyone wants to see in a film because itwastes no time and it follows through out the movie only showing youthe best/shocking/interesting part of the life span of Latif and Udayand Iraq itself. In presence of casting, Dominic Cooper's Britishaccent sometime popped out in sentences but his brilliant performancekept me thrilled through out the film, at first he even fooled me inmaking me believe there was a double.In short the movie was brilliant in capturing the realism of the terrorin Iraq's eye and arraying into a story filled with action, fear,reality and life. A must watch movie of the year 2011.

Moustafa_Q

(2012-04-29 16:40:26)

Taste of Oblivion

Beautiful film for the art to describe the ineffable essence of an age,the subtle desire, the fear of social class, the image of religiousvision like strong and necessary shell , the forms of beauty. It isexploration of a special metamorphosis in a delicate way, in kindlyimages, refined colors, with deep respect for atmosphere's details.A young man in an ambiguous war with a rigid world. A father for whothe rules are untouchable, hypocritical gestures of a small universe,ethics like masks of general peace, slices of ordinary existence andvagueness of desires, dreams and feelings.Latif is not a victim or rebel spirit. He is only explorer of his life.His bold gestures or words, the innocent game, the refuge beyond thefamily's sphere are not elements of a real fight but steps for selfdefinition.It is a splendid film for the science to suggest the forms ofexistence's assume. For the sweet colors and for gentleness of artisticexpression. For the discover of emotions like seeds of everyday. Forthe Devil's Double.

Angel Dickey

(2012-04-29 12:24:11)

The Devil's Double Highly recommended.

The Devil's Double is based on the true story of Latif Yahia an IraqiLieutenant kidnapped from the front-line in the Iran/Iraq war to becomethe body double for Saddam Hussein's notoriously vicious and sadisticson Uday. Directed by Lee Tamahori it has all the action, brutality andspeed that you would expect for a movie of this genre, "A gangstermovie set in the Middle East" it certainly is, a "modern day Scarface"it may well be too. Dominic Cooper gives an outstanding performance inthe Dual roles of Latif and Uday Saddam Hussein, never leaving youguessing who exactly he is playing at any one time but cementing thebelief that there are two men in opposing roles. "Striking" and "Oscarworthy" are two descriptions that I wish to use to portray his deliveryof what can only be an actors dream, to dominate the whole screen andtry to upstage yourself. He has a very strong supporting cast whoalthough may not be "household names" deliver on every level, withspecial mention to Philip Quast as possibly the best Saddam Hussein Ihave seen on screen, Raad Rawi as Munem Hammed -a good man in a badjob- and Ludivine Sagnier who plays Sarrab -the apex of the lovetriangle- is seductive and possibly the only female in the this"Moustaches and Marlboro" movie with lines. Don't believe for a secondthat this movie lacks depth, you do leave with vivid images andthinking about recent history and beyond, the intention to provokethought may not have been high on Lee Tamahori's list but that doesn'tmean it wasn't a by-product. As this movie is "based on the true story"I decided to do a little more research into Latif Yahia the man. His isthe kind of story that I suppose you have to be from a certain decadeto be familiar with, although he has a vast collection of interviews,blogs, has written three books -The Devil's Double written in 1994being the one the movie was adapted from- and a further two books to bereleased next year. He also has his own website a Facebook page and ifyou care to, you can follow him on twitter. I find his viewpointfascinating personally, brave/courageous would be other words I woulduse to describe him, but then if you have lived with the Devil youwould need to be wouldn't you? To find out more about the book TheDevil's Double go to www.arcanummediagroup.com

Alan Just

(2012-04-29 04:42:15)

A gangster movie with a terrific performance!

There are a lot of movies that you should not bring your young childrento. The Devil's Double is absolutely one of those movies. However, thatis exactly what the family on the other side of the theater did when Iwent to see this terrifically brutal, bloody and disturbing gangstermovie. (Yes that's right, I said gangster movie, but I'll get back tothat in a bit.) Don't get me wrong, I don't really care what people dowith their own kids. In this case, maybe this family's three kids allunder the age of 10 (I would suppose) have a tolerance beyond theiryears for brutal murders, drugs and rape scenes. Maybe it's no big dealfor them. But I really get annoyed when they are talking, and laughingand crying during all the murder, drug and rape scenes. All jokingaside, it is are really awful movie for children of that age to see,and the parents finally realized that and left about an 1:20 minutesin…during the orgy scene.Bad movie for children, amazing movie for adults! I re-watched it inthe quite confines of my screening room (bedroom) and solidified myview of this being one of my favorite movies of the year. Although itwas not marketed as such, I along with other people described it as theScarface of the Middle East.The movie is very loosely based on the true story of Latif Tahia(Dominic Cooper) who in the early to mid 90's was forced to throw awayhis own life and be the "double" of the widely hated, morally deprivedbut unlimitedly powerful son of Saddam Hussein, Uday Hussein (DominicCooper). This man was evil to the core yet had all the resources in thecountry and unlimited money to do whatever he pleased.We see the transformation of Latif into Uday, changing everything fromhis cheek bone structure to his nose, teeth and height. We also seeLatif who was forced at gunpoint, change as a man who loves his countyto a man who has nothing but disdain for Uday and the situation he hasbeen forced into.You read correctly above when I gave Dominic Cooper credit for bothrolls. In a movie where one actor is needed to play two completelydifferent personalities, Cooper delivers an Oscar worthy performance.The character (and in real life) Uday Hussein is (was) an absolutepsycho, truly insane, willing to abduct a bride on her wedding day andrape her, or kidnap and deflower school girls walking home, or brutallykill his father's food taster in the middle of a dinner party. Cooperplays the over the top part to perfection, unfortunately stealingscenes from himself at times, when he is playing the much more mildlymannered Latif. The way the he plays the two juxtaposed from oneanother is truly incredible and so are the talents of director LeeTamahori in his and his production team's execution The entire movie isa thrill ride with parties and orgy's and drugs and murders. It is agangster movie at its absolute best and incredibly entertaining thewhole way through. If I had to pick one part that didn't work toperfection is the part of Sarrab, played by the French actress LudivineSagnier. First, I could tell she was not Arab from the start. Isuspected she had blond hair, which took me out of it. (She doesnaturally) and also I just never got the impression that her characterwould be playing both sides the way she does. I thought that particularstory line lacked some depth. An aspect of the movie that hardly breaksthe movie though.As I already said this will surely be one of my favorite movies of theyear and I strongly recommend going out and renting it on Blu-ray… justdon't let your kids watch.Large Popcorn with Butter.See all my reviews at www.popcornmoviereview.com

wvisser-leusden

(2012-04-28 01:05:05)

be available for sex or die

Set in the Iraq of Saddam Hussein, 'The devil's double' deals with ahighly original theme: the whereabouts of a stand-in for one ofSaddam's sons.And what a son! Neurotic & sex-obsessed, and always ready to makesevere reprisals against those who get across. As a son of the mightySaddam the limits of the law obviously do not bother you.So it's not surprising that the stand-in son soon gets troubled bymoral dilemmas en responsibilities. The same goes for his femalecompanion, acted out by Ludivine Sagnier. She soon swaps the realSaddam-son for the fake one.All this drama is surrounded by good authentic film-material aboutSaddam's war against Kuwait in 1991. Inculding president Bush senior'smilitary intervention. As well as by, as far as I can judge, arealistic picture of the Iraq society of those days.The male lead is acted out well by Dominic Cooper. In slight contrast,Ludivine Sagnier impresses less in her role as an Iraqi-Arab vamp ofdubious reputation. I feel the producer of 'The devil's double' shouldhave done better to hire an Arab actress.Ludivine's acting makes the only slight flaw in this well-made film.

Lisa Stewart

(2012-04-27 14:31:10)

hard to find in a cinema?

Every now and again a movie comes along that satisfies all thecriteria, great story, great acting, cinematography and direction. TheDevil's Double is that movie, based on the true story of Latif Yahia,the Iraqi Army Lieutenant forced to become the double for SaddamHussein's eldest son Uday Hussein it is a gripping, violent (althoughsome of the stronger scenes are left to the imagination) emotionalroller-coaster ride. Although not historically accurate and having readthe book of the same name not 100% true to that either, it does bearenough resemblance to the original story to hold up, touted as "agangster movie set in the middle east" it is indeed that, with scenesthat stand alongside those in "Goodfellas" or "Scarface" it isdefinitely worth watching. It is out of the cinemas here in the US now,more's the pity but we can look forward to the DVD, having said thatthe movie certainly did not reach it's full cinematic potential here inthe states and because of that when it is released on DVD a lot ofpeople are going to think that it was a "straight to DVD production"which of course it wasn't. Well done to the production teams thatbrought this project together, a totally European "Indie" movie, itcertainly looks "Hollywood". I've heard through the grapevine thatthere may be a push for an Oscar nomination for the lead, DominicCooper, it's well deserved, his dual role as both the victim LatifYahia and the villain Uday Hussein are indeed the stuff of Oscar makingdreams, his ability to swap between the two roles is for want of abetter word brilliant, you are never, ever, left wondering who you arewatching on the screen, unless of course that is the desired effect. Iwould recommend that you see it in the cinema because that is how itwas shot, for cinema, but since we can't here anymore if you didn't geta chance to watch it the first time around, rent or better still buythe DVD you won't be sorry, it's a classic, a movie that will stand thetest of time and will be enjoyed for many, many years to come.

DemiRonin

(2012-04-27 20:43:47)

Devil's Double is a film more concerned with recreating Scarface [1983] than it is in telling an authentic story, creating a bland and complete Hollywood white wash.

Inspired by the true life story, Iraqi soldier Latif Yahia istransformed into a doppelganger for Sadam's notorious son Uday Hussein,the "Black Prince". Though born from the cloth of common folk, Latifphysical appearance resembles that of Uday- making Latif invaluable asUday's "fiday" or "bullet catcher". Iron fisted rulers of the past sucha Stalin have used such look-alikes as decoys to confuses and trickwould be assassins. What starts as a friendly job offer turns to forced servitude whenLatif is beaten into submission and his family's lives are threatened.Latif begrudgingly enters a world of kingly luxuries such as dotingservants, fast cars, and ability to have whomever woman he desires aslong she does not belong to Uday. However, during his eternal task ofacting as Uday's body double, Latif must bear witness as Udayterrorizes his fellow countrymen, murdering and raping whomever hepleases. Dominic Cooper plays both the role of the stoic Latif and the lustfulpsychotic Uday, delivering a career breaking performance. Cooper playsthe calm and cool servant Latif who says a lot with few words. At thesame time Cooper acts opposite to his alter ego, the needy and spoiledprince Uday, who sucks his thumb like a five year old in his mother'slap.Latif, unable to escape, occupies himself by lusting after Uday'sprized whore Sarrab, played by Ludivine Sagnier. Discussing theirrelationship is as pointless as their relationship's existence in thefilm. Sarrab acts as nothing more than a sexual object that garners nosympathy from the audience. On the other hand scenes where Latifpersonality starts to warp, becoming more alike his "evil twin" Uday,are much more interesting than the constant events of mindless sex andviolence. It's not that the violence or sex are not well stylized. Theproduction value in the set design and cinematography in Devil's Doubleare terrific. Production designer Paul Kirby who has worked on monsterfilms such as Batman Begins [2005] and Captain America: The FirstAvenger [2011] does an excellent job of creating an atmosphere of Iraqielitism. However the action scenes have a feeling of fluff sinceLatif's character is so complacent. The audience cannot bond withLatif's tepid struggle for freedom when he himself does not carewhether he lives or dies.Interspersed in the film is actual war footage of the 1990 Iraqiinvasion of Kuwait and the US military intervention. However theseinserted shots of real events only act to emphasis the film'sinauthentic and shallow portrayal of Iraqi life. There is not a singlesubtitle needed the entire film because apparently everyone, even thesecurity guards and whores all speak English. What would have been ariveting and unique story of the harrowing experiences of the realLatif is instead transformed by Director Lee Tamahori into a emptyHollywood charade.4 out of 10 This Film is not for: -People who get sick of pointless violence andsex quickly

amber-batts

(2012-04-27 08:54:56)

The story, wow! Dominic Cooper wow!

I just saw the Devil's Double, I'm so proud! We've had a few films madehere in Malta but for me, this is the absolute best! while they werefilming here there was a big buzz about the movie and the cast, butseeing it for the first time on screen really gave me goosebumps. A fewpeople I know worked on it as extras so it's fun for me to see if I canspot them but the story, wow! Dominic Cooper wow! The whole film looksgreat, great action and suspense and also tragedy, I can't believethose things really went on. Altogether a movie Malta should be proudof! Go see The Devil's Double! 10/10 ********** Best of the Best THEDEVIL'S DOUBLE one of the year's best films.

Tony Heck

(2012-04-25 23:28:14)

One of the best movies and performances of the year. A must see that will leave you talking. Oscars take note! I say A+

"Uday has chosen you, you belong to him." This is the true story ofLatif Yahia (Cooper) and how he was hand picked by Uday Hussein(Cooper) to be his body double. Latif is stuck in the middle ofbecoming someone he hates and getting killed by saying no. This isanother type of movie that will not get the audience that it deserves.Cooper, who plays a duel role, give quite possibly the year's bestacting performance and is deserving of at least an Oscar nomination.Playing both the egotistical, sex-crazed, evil Uday and the poor,family oriented good guy Latif. The performance of the two polaropposites are so great that you sometimes forget it's the same personeven when they are in the same scene. This is a very emotional movie,and even though you know how it will end you keep waiting for somethingbad to happen to Uday while pulling for Latif to be free. The actingall around is fantastic and the movie is a must see. This is a moviethat is almost impossible to not have strong feelings of hatred towardUday, and it brings back all the feelings you had while this reign wasstill in power. Overall, a great movie with great acting, especially anOscar worthy performance by Dominic Cooper. Watch this. I give it anA+.*Also try - Last King Of Scotland & Red State

writeveejayblogs-faceboo

(2012-04-25 14:01:35)

There but for the grace of...

THE DEVIL'S DOUBLE (2011) is an outstanding movie but don't expect,because of the title, a conventional horror story. It is a horror storyall right, but it is the story of Saddam Hussein's son, Uday, who inhis madness takes what he wants from life and kills at will. The movieearns an 18 Rating because of the graphic violence, sex and drugsscenes, and strong language throughout. But none of that, in myopinion, is gratuitous simply to draw the box office crowds becausethere is a moral in the story. It paints a hideous portrait of what canhappen when the wrong people are in power and how ordinary, innocentpeople (man, woman, and child) suffer under their rule. There but forthe grace of God...Uday Hussain is living the life of a superstar but he needs bodyguardsto protect him. Hardly surprising as he trawls the streets, pullingyoung girls off the pavements and doing what he wants with them backhome, after which he has their bodies dumped on waste land. He wants adouble. After all, his daddy, Saddam Hussein, has a double.Unfortunately for Latif Yahia he looks just like Uday after a bit ofplastic surgery. And there is no escape. He cooperates or his familywill die.I don't know how much truth there is in this story but this is a movieand a good one too.

baron_genitalstrassen

(2012-04-25 14:22:56)

The Emperor Hath Not ANY Halibaments!

*Spoiler Alert* I am utterly shocked by the rave reviews this film hasgarnered from this site. My friend asked me to watch this sickeningmovie and I agreed, after hearing similarly rave reviews from myfriends.What an utter waste of time this was! A few bums wandering aroundBagdad, getting themselves into nonsensical situations and utteringobscenities every minute or so. If anything, this is a sad reflectionof meaningless suburban existence (what's with the obsession overhaving a double??!). Like one reviewer said, this movie left me withnothing--no feelings of warmth, poignancy or encouragement.Sure, there were some brilliant camera shots (a handful), but notenough to sustain a movie. The dream sequences were just bizarre...likesomething a stoned artist would dream up. Again, the setting of themovie (boring Bagdad) did not help bolster my interest level.Dear me, there were times when I felt like stepping into the movie andbazooka-ing all the characters just so it would end! I was unmoved bythe movie and completely bored out of my wits. 2 out of 4 of my friendsleft half-way through the movie (wisely enough). The series of'revelations' (oooh! aaah!) at the end were trite and unsatisfying.We all have our own opinions on this movie, but please, and 8.0 is waymore than what this stinking mess deserves! Movies like this are theresult of a culture that has become so saturated with material wealth,prosthetic 'beauty' and glamour that triteness and meaninglessness(along with gratuitous violence and obscenity) become glamorized.

tomgillespie2002

(2012-04-24 18:31:55)

Entertaining, if deeply flawed, film

Latif Yahia (Dominic Cooper) is a patriotic Iraqi soldier who finds himself brought in by Uday Hussein (also Cooper), a former classmate and son of Saddam to whom he bears an uncanny resemblance. Uday wants him to become his body double to protect him from potentially dangerous situations, and make appearances while Uday indulges in women, drink and drugs. Latif refuses, only to be tortured and beaten until he agrees. After undergoing some minor plastic surgery and given some fake teeth, Latif shadows Uday and realises he is an absolute psychopath, raping and murdering women as well as torturing anyone who challenges or opposes him. Uday's mistress Sarrab (Ludivine Sagnier), tired of Uday's unpredictable nature and wild behaviour, shows interest in Latif, and the two start a dangerous affair.The story of Latif Yahia has been dubbed dubious by various investigative journalists due to inconsistencies in his stories and claims by associates of Uday Hussein's that he never used body doubles. That aside, it makes for a quite fascinating story, if a not wholly believable one. Instead of fashioning a serious film about one of the key figures in the troubled and violent recent history of Iraq, director Lee Tamahori (whose recent films include the shitty Bond film Die Another Day (2002) and Nicolas Cage vehicle Next (2007)) has made a gangster film. It plays out like Scarface in Baghdad, and is full of violence, drugs and women, and all but ignores the political and social aspects. It's the main problem with the film, as although this has the potential to be a very good film, the execution is that seen a thousand times before in the gangster genre. In the hands of someone like David Fincher or Michael Mann, this could have been something much more.However, the film has a trump card in the form of lead Dominic Cooper, who juggles dual roles with apparent ease. I've never been his biggest fan (he's hardly been stretched in his career), but he shows here that he has leading man qualities. Although his portrayal of Uday is wildly over-the-top to the point of a cartoon character sometimes, it's clearly as the director intended, and he switches from the brooding Latif to the psychopathic Uday effortlessly. So whether you believe the story or not (I don't), it makes for an entertaining, if deeply flawed, film, and Uday Hussein proves a terrifying madman, especially given that he was very real (before US forces killed him in 2003).

chaz-28

(2012-04-23 02:55:43)

Life with a Psychotic Monster aka Uday Hussein

Uday Hussein was a monster. The world knew this before he was killed,but after seeing The Devil's Double, the world has a good reminder justhow horrible of a man he was. Uday would patrol the Baghdad streets inhis sports car, kidnap school girls, rape them, murder them, and thenhave his goons dispose of the bodies. Nothing would ever happen to himbecause he hid behind daddy, Saddam Hussein. It appears he had noconscience; he proudly maintained videos of torture sessions,especially from underperforming Iraqi Olympic athletes. There areparticular scenes in this film depicting crude torture techniques whichare quite gut wrenching for the audience.Dominic Cooper plays the dual role of Uday Hussein and the man 'taken'to be his body double, Latif Yahia. Cooper seamlessly disappears intothese two separate men. He plays Uday with a high pitched voice,forever animated and crazy-eyed. Latif is laconic, thoughtful, anddeeply troubled by the events occurring around him. This movie is basedon actual events as written by Latif Yahia himself. Uday and Latif wereclassmates and later on, Uday remembers their similarities and hasLatif plucked from the Iran/Iraq battlefield. This was not a jobrecommendation either; Latif either would become Uday's double or heand his family would be tortured and executed.Latif could now enjoy all of Uday's luxuries, except his women. Theinevitable involvement with a woman Latif should not have beensocializing with is the film's one weak spot. Ludivine Sagnier playsSarrab, a woman who Uday plucked from a club once and has yet torelease from his grasp. Sagnier has starred in high quality work in thepast both with Swimming Pool and 8 Women, but Sarrab's character doesnot fit very well here. The Devil's Double is about the relationshipbetween Uday Hussein and Latif Yahia with the background of the firstPersian Gulf War and Latif's desperate attempts to deal with thecrumbling situation. There is not very much room from Sagnier and hercharacter more often than not just gets in the way of what should bethe central theme. For example, during the Baghdad bombing in theopening days of the 1991 war, instead of showing what Uday was doing orwhere he was hiding, the audience gets a scene between Latif andSarrab. This was the wrong choice for both the screenwriter anddirector to make.The director, Lee Tamahori, is a veteran action film director withcredits including a James Bond film, Die Another Day, and othersporadic attempts with Along Came A Spider and the xXx sequel. This isnot an action film though. It is a tough, psychological thriller andTamahori does an admirable job with it except from the previouslymentioned scene. The writer, Michal Thomas, has been around a long timebut his work is mostly unknown except for his Ladyhawke screenplay andan episode of the Crash television series. He has adapted Latif Yahia'sown novel and has done a forthright job of it.Thank goodness Latif's novel was adapted for the big screen. One willread in the newspaper occasionally that Iraqi citizens miss SaddamHussein's regime because at least the country was more stable than itis now and they had electricity and employment. When those thoughtsspring up, they should be required to watch The Devil's Double toremind them of the insanity their country has moved away from.

hoganshort

(2012-04-22 16:01:29)

The unknown story

The Devil's Double is a movie I was not really looking forward to whenI heard it was coming out. Lee Tamahori has never made a great film, infact I find his movies usually quite poor like Die Another Day or AlongCame a Spider. I thought giving Tamahori a movie about the middle eastand Uday Hussein's life and even more so the life of his double animpossible undertaking for such a heavy subject based on factualinformation. This movie follows Latif Yahia and his road in becoming,living, and leaving the life as a double for Uday Hussein, the son ofSaddam Hussein. I watched the movie and was pleasantly surprised. Themovie captures the believable insanity of Hussein perfectly and showsus the feeling in such a terrifying time in Baghdad. Not just for thecitizens, but everyone around Uday who seems to be just a tyrannicalfigurehead. The movie becomes a little slow towards the end and I foundthat The Devil's Double falls apart due to a story that didn't knowwhere to go, but the entire movie is worth seeing just to watch DominicCooper's Oscar worthy performance. I actually had to look up who playedeach part while I was watching because I couldn't quite believe it wasplayed by the same man. Dominic Cooper is perfect as an innocent familyman with strong morals fighting so hard mentally and physically withbeing thrown into such an impossibly terrifying situation against hiswill. He is also superb as the insane Uday Hussein, a much higher voiceand ratlike facial expressions with no regard for anything but his owndesires. Playing two characters like this so perfectly is necessary forthis movie to work. The Devils Double is a fine movie that becomes amust see if only for the work of Dominic Cooper. See more of mythoughts on other movies on rollginreviews.blogspot.com

IMDB-GuRu

(2012-04-18 22:34:18)

What A Film!

This is probably one of the greatest true story movie remakes evercreated. It has literally everything you would want in a film, a greatstory line with flawless acting by Dominic Cooper.This movie is defiantly great, it keeps you on the edge of your seat,with blistering action, sexy scenes and powerful words. Not only thisbut throughout he film your brought with comedy and romance. What a story, What a film, What great acting, this movie is nothingless then perfection. Like any film it may have a few flaws, but that's up to yourinterpretation. This is defiantly not a film to miss

bkoganbing

(2012-04-18 18:21:00)

Hussein Family Values

Domenic Cooper who first gained notice on stage and screen for hisperformance as the smolderingly sexy Dakin in The History Boys bringsthat same persona in playing Uday Hussein the eldest of SaddamHussein's two sons who helped him rule Iraq until the late war broughthim down. Only time will tell what his successors will be able to dowith the government the western allies left in his place. Cooper alsoplays Latif Yahya who was Uday's body double much as Clifton Jones wasthe double for Field Marshal Montgomery in the second World War in reallife and on screen in I Was Monty's Double.Jones was asked and impersonated Monty as a matter of patriotic duty.Cooper asked Cooper in a way he'd better not refuse in The Devil'sDouble. The most adamant opponents of the late Iraq War officially over daysago now hold no brief for Saddam Hussein. Iraq's capital is Baghdad andhe ruled it in the same manner as a modern Caliph. Uday the elder sonwas the chosen successor and he acted more like a modern Caligula. Ifhe wanted this guy who many noted in the past bore more than a passingresemblance to Uday than he just took his services or his entire familymight well disappear.Cooper does wonderfully carefully underplaying as Latif and then goingover the top in a part that demands it as Uday. The film is based on anovel that Latif once out of Iraq had ghostwritten, the better fordramatic cohesion. It actually doesn't take too much liberties with thefacts out there about this Caligula wannabe.The Devil's Double is a thought provoking film that is definitely notfor the squeamish and quite the indictment against absolute power,especially in some terribly wrong hands.

SnakesOnAnAfricanPlain

(2012-04-17 06:56:52)

Cooper is amazing.

A look into the seedy and disgusting world of Uday Hussein and hisunfortunate body double. This is like the Prince and the Pauper, if theprince were a homicidal rapist. The film prays on our fears ofhelplessness as Latif is forced to do Uday's bidding, or his familywill be punished. Dominic Cooper is incredible in a double performance,where you soon forget he is playing both parts. His Uday is a cartoonvillain that is kind of dorky, but he knows how to capture the manicviolence. As Latif he is a strong but broken man, who in a way inspiresthose around him to stand up to Uday. The film does well to shock,without ever becoming too gratuitous. Sometimes it shows the violence,sometimes the aftermath, and sometimes the mere mention of what hashappened is enough to make you cringe. Tamahori, as his past wouldsuggest, is more comfortable with action than out and out tension.Something tells me I should have been as scared of Uday as I am ofPesci in Scorsese films. This isn't Cooper's fault, but the fast natureof the movie and the blaring 80's soundtrack. People can debate whetherany of this is true or not, but the film makes for a diabolical treat,one that doesn't glorify a life of excess.

tigerstar154

(2012-04-16 22:53:27)

Great Movie

The Devil's DoubleWhen I first heard of this movie, I was quite interested. In fact, Ihad seen the trailer every time. Many people are familiar with Saddamand his cruelty but this Movie shows Uday Hussein's menace which isless looked upon. The time period is during/after the Gulf war in 1991but focused a little before when Iran-Iraq had a war.A look alike man by the name of Latif Yahya becomes Uday Hussein's bodydouble and faces a life cruelty.The Pluses: Great Scenery, The acting of Dominic Cooper and his role(he looked authentically Arab)The action, and they show various warclips of Iraq which is helpful to some. The dude who played SaddamHussain actually looked liked him. The girls were great, especially thegirl who played the Concubine, SarrabThe Minuses: This is an R-rated flick so expect a lot of violence,cussing sex and nudity especially towards the end.Overall, The Devil's Double is a great Fictional film, notice I saidfictional as some events are taken out of proportion. i give this an8/10