In Contention

Tag: Tony Gilroy

  • POLL: What are you seeing this weekend?

    I figure it’s time for a new poll since everyone has spoken on “Watchmen” by now.  Since there’s an interestingly diverse slate of films set to open this weekend, I figured I’d ask the old stand-by: What are you going to see?

    I’m strangely looking forward to “Knowing,” more because of Alex Proyas than anything else (which, by the way, finally caught up with that “Dark City” director’s cut I wrote about earlier in the week — MUCH better experience than the theatrical version, I’d say).  Then again, “I Love You, Man” is frankly looking like the right antidote lately, while the reviews of “Duplicity” have piqued my interest in Tony Gilroy’s latest.

    There are also a couple of limited releases in play this weekend, most notably Steve McQueen’s “Hunger” (which you all know was one of my favorite films of last year when it played the festival circuit).  But maybe you’d rather see “Watchmen” again, or something else that’s still kicking around the marketplace.  Whatever the case, let us know in the sidebar poll and feel free to expand on your pick in the comments section below.  We’ll find out what the masses decided when Chad writes up the weekend’s box office Sunday.

  • The trades really like ‘Duplicity’

    I must say, I liked the look of Tony Gilroy’s “Duplicity” from the get-go. However, being a sucker for jazzy caper thrillers in the “Charade” vein, as well as for most things starring Clive Owen, I wasn’t sure whether to trust my instincts there.

    In any case, given the amiable slightness of the trailer and the indifferent release date (not to mention that awful title), I wasn’t expecting a critical hit — but going on the early trade reviews, it looks like that’s what we may have here. Todd McCarthy’s Variety rave gushes as follows:

    Smart, droll and dazzling to look at and listen to, writer-director Tony Gilroy’s effervescent, intricately plotted puzzler proves in every way superior to his 2007 success “Michael Clayton.” The twisty, time jumping narrative forces viewers to keep on their toes, and it could well be that “Duplicity” is too smart for its own good as far as the popcorn masses are concerned. Still, this is about as good as it gets these days for sharp-minded Hollywood entertainment made for an intelligent audience.

    Topping “Michael Clayton” isn’t the hardest of tasks in my mind, but given the devoted following the film enjoys, that’s no light praise: McCarthy invokes Lubitsch comparisons at one point. Meanwhile, nearly every major cast member and craftsman (a pretty dazzling array, it must be said, including Robert Elswit, Albert Wolsky and James Newton Howard) is singled out for kudos.

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  • Something for spring

    Ever get taken completely unawares by a film’s existence?

    It’s no doubt my own oversight, but before happening upon this trailer, I had never heard of “Duplicity.” (In my defence, who would remember that title?) Kind of surprising considering it reteams “Closer” co-stars Clive Owen and Julia Roberts, and comes from the hand of recent Oscar nominee Tony Gilroy.

    It’s a pleasant surprise, though: from where I’m standing, it looks like a crisp, stylish divertissement in the “Charade” mold, which is good enough for me. (Owen’s presence is always a plus in my book. And bonus points for the Goldfrapp cue.)

    Am I the only one thinking this looks a lot more fun than “Michael Clayton?” Here’s hoping. (Apple version here.)