Review: The Double (2014)

Snap Judgment: A surreal film set in an Orwellian pseudo-Soviet land based on Dostoevsky's novella of the same name. Jesse Eisenberg is a cringing doormat, trying so hard to be accommodating that everyone wants to either ignore him or be cruel to him. He's sweet and well-meaning, but incredibly timid. He's got a crush on his co-worker, Mia Wasikowska, who barely registers his existence. Then his doppelganger appears. This Jesse Eisenberg is suave, charming, and selfish. He takes what he wants, and he doesn't care what anyone else thinks - including seducing Mia Wasikowska right under his double's nose. No one else sees any resemblance between the two Jesse Eisenbergs, which makes the orignal(?)/good(?) Jesse Eisenberg wonder if he's gone crazy.

The performances are kinetic, especially Jesse Eisenberg in both his roles. The film is highly stylized, which makes the film even more surreal. It is also surprisingly funny at parts, like in this conversation between the two Jesse Eisenbergs:    

Evil doppelganger: When you're walking with a woman, or standing next to one of them, you want to put your hand on their lower back. Not the ass - they sometimes get upset about that - but just above it. It shows that you're interested, but that you can push them down the stairs at any moment.

Good doppelganger: Why?

Evil doppelganger: Because you've got the leverage. 

Grade: B

Final Verdict: A stunning performance by Jesse Eisenberg that should've garnered more attention from the awards folk, but was not to be because this is a small, semi-obscure film (also, it is listed as 2013, although it did not premiere outside of film festivals until 2014). It's weird and artistic, and should not be watched for the plot so much as the performances. 

If You Like This, Watch: Night Moves, Locke, Only Lovers Left Alive