?Duplicity?
Director: Tony Gilroy
Starring: Julia Roberts, Clive Owen

Julia Roberts knows it?s not always wise to rest on her crowd-pleasing rom-com-driven laurels. In terms of box office, the results of her forays into riskier projects (?Charlie Wilson?s War?) and meatier roles (?Closer?) have been hit and miss, but on point of credibility and growth, the brave move of Tinseltown?s most popular actress has been paying off big time.

Subject matter

In Tony Gilroy?s ?Duplicity,? Julia tackles a seldom-discussed subject matter?corporate espionage?and goes at it as if she?s been doing movies with provocative themes all her screen life. The romantic angle that Gilroy cleverly infuses into his spy-versus-spy tale makes it even more accessible to viewers.

In the movie, Roberts plays CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) operative, Claire Stenwick, opposite Owens? Ray Koval, an MI6 spy. Both characters work with the emotional detachment and clockwork efficiency of seasoned sleuths. But, when the intelligence agents meet in Dubai, they find their erstwhile impenetrable ?defenses? getting compromised?especially after a memorable night of consensual fun (after which she steals classified documents from her British counterpart).

Claire and Ray?s dilemma reaches its peak five years later, after the end of their stints with the CIA and MI6. Unfortunately, their serendipitous second meeting finds them at opposing ends of a fierce corporate war between two powerful business tycoons (Tom Wilkinson, Paul Giamatti), who wrestle over the proprietorship of a secret hair-product formula that has the potential to generate billions of dollars? worth of revenues for their respective companies. But, this time, the attraction between Ray and Claire gets even stronger. What to do?

The movie?s frenetic speed and nonlinear storytelling style require viewers to watch attentively as the film jumps from one time frame to another, and from one surprising twist to the next.

Presence

The movie largely benefits from Gilroy?s intelligent and light handling of its potentially heavy subject matter. It takes full advantage of its charismatic leads? undeniable screen presence, as well as the alternately witty and caustic banter and strong sparks that fly between the lovely Julia and the dashing Clive.

Roberts and Owen?s combustible chemistry allows scenes to segue seamlessly from cerebral thriller to the heart-warming romance that unwittingly develops?and blossoms?between two world-weary cynics who find love when they least expect it. But, if you think you know how their story ends, think again!