The Devil's Double - Review Thread

Daniel · 05-29-2012, 03:07 AM

The Devil's Double

Imagine you live in a country where a dictator has the country under his thumb, and everything he says goes, without question. Imagine he has a son born into his legacy of power and control, but, the son lacks the same leadership qualities his father does, and is completely psychotic. Now, imagine that crazy offspring one day summons you to his palace and tells you that you will be announced as dead to your loved ones, and you will undergo surgery to look just like him so that you can be his 24/7 live-action meat-shield and stand-in. To refuse or try and escape is futile, and will result in the torture and death of you and everyone you love.

This is exactly what happens to Latif Yahia, a well-meaning Iraqi loyalist with a moral compass that is not exactly shared by his dictator leaders. Latif sees his life essentially come to an end and finds he has to live in Uday's shoes. This means womanizing, murder, torture, and being a terrible person in general are now his burden no matter how horrendous things get.

The intriguing thing about The Devil's Double is that this is a true story about the man who was chosen to be Uday's double and made history when all was said and done. I expected this movie to be over-the-top and ridiculous, and Uday certainly was, but the film itself can still be taken seriously and has a lot of thrilling moments. Latif is a character that anyone who isn't a sociopath or psychopath can relate with, and it is hard to see him trapped in a life he hates despite all the power, money, and sex he could have and enjoy.

Not knowing the true story helps you guess what will come of Latif's situation, and Uday is crazy enough to keep things entertaining along the way.

8/10

shained · 05-29-2012, 12:53 PM

I thought his performance was fantastic, switched between the roles effortlessly.

8/10 sounds about right.

Daniel · 06-01-2012, 08:47 AM

I'm gonna cut you.

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05-29-2012, 03:07 AM	#1
Daniel Flawed Design Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,606	The Devil's Double - Review Thread The Devil's Double Imagine you live in a country where a dictator has the country under his thumb, and everything he says goes, without question. Imagine he has a son born into his legacy of power and control, but, the son lacks the same leadership qualities his father does, and is completely psychotic. Now, imagine that crazy offspring one day summons you to his palace and tells you that you will be announced as dead to your loved ones, and you will undergo surgery to look just like him so that you can be his 24/7 live-action meat-shield and stand-in. To refuse or try and escape is futile, and will result in the torture and death of you and everyone you love. This is exactly what happens to Latif Yahia, a well-meaning Iraqi loyalist with a moral compass that is not exactly shared by his dictator leaders. Latif sees his life essentially come to an end and finds he has to live in Uday's shoes. This means womanizing, murder, torture, and being a terrible person in general are now his burden no matter how horrendous things get. The intriguing thing about The Devil's Double is that this is a true story about the man who was chosen to be Uday's double and made history when all was said and done. I expected this movie to be over-the-top and ridiculous, and Uday certainly was, but the film itself can still be taken seriously and has a lot of thrilling moments. Latif is a character that anyone who isn't a sociopath or psychopath can relate with, and it is hard to see him trapped in a life he hates despite all the power, money, and sex he could have and enjoy. Not knowing the true story helps you guess what will come of Latif's situation, and Uday is crazy enough to keep things entertaining along the way. 8/10 __________________ Only fear can make you feel lonely out here Last edited by Daniel; 05-29-2012 at 05:12 AM.

05-29-2012, 12:53 PM	#2
shained Y.N.W.A Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: liverpool, england Posts: 3,382	I thought his performance was fantastic, switched between the roles effortlessly. 8/10 sounds about right. __________________ Liverpool Football Club You'll Never Walk Alone Letterboxd

06-01-2012, 08:47 AM	#3
Daniel Flawed Design Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,606	I'm gonna cut you. __________________ Only fear can make you feel lonely out here