The Double

Actor-turned-director Richard Ayaode's dark, stylized adaptation of Dostoyevsky's novel stars Jesse Eisenberg in a dual role. Simon (Eisenberg), a milquetoast fellow who can't seem to do anything right, wears the same ill-fitting suit at all times. Simon's fantasies revolve around Hannah (Mia Wasikowska), a smartly dressed co-worker who lives across from his flat. At night, using a telescope, Simon watches her work on art projects. After Simon finally gets the chance to strike up a conversation, a misunderstanding prevents him from meeting up with her at the annual office party. The next day, Simon's boss (Wallace Shawn) welcomes James (Eisenberg), a new employee who looks exactly like Simon. Although no one notices Simon, everyone notices James—who gets whatever he wants. At first, Simon is drawn to his doppelganger, but so is Hannah, who tries to go through Simon to get to James. Things only devolve from here, but the carefully controlled first half ends up working better than the faster moving second half, although cameos from Chris O'Dowd as a nurse, and musician J. Mascis as a janitor, liven up the story. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include an interview with director Richard Ayoade (6 min.), the production segments “Cast and Characters” (5 min.), “The Story and Design” (5 min.), and “Behind the Scenes Comparisons” (5 min.), an ASX TV featurette (3 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an uneven film.] (K. Fennessy)