Monday 31 July 2023

The Devil's Double (2011) Movie Review

Review: The Devil's Double (2011) Movie

The Devil's Double movie review image

The Devil's Double is an action-packed movie that tells the story of a young Iraqi man, Latif Yahia, a former soldier, who is coerced into becoming the body double of Uday Hussein, the notorious playboy and eldest son of Saddam Hussein.

The story is set in the final years of Saddam Hussein's brutal regime, and the film provides a glimpse into the inner workings of the regime. The film's director, Lee Tamahori, effectively portrays the lavish lifestyle of Uday and the stark contrast to the harsh realities of life in Iraq under Saddam Hussein.

Actor Dominic Cooper delivers a powerhouse performance as he skillfully plays both Latif Yahia and Uday Hussein. The movie also features strong supporting performances from Ludivine Sagnier, who plays Uday's love interest, Sarrab, and Raad Rawi, who masterfully portrays Saddam Hussein.

The Devil's Double is a gripping account of one man's struggle to survive in a regime that operates without mercy. The film highlights the lengths people will go to maintain power and control, and the moral compromises that come with such an environment.

Overall, The Devil's Double is a thought-provoking and engaging movie, and definitely worth watching for its insights into Saddam Hussein's regime and the people who lived under it.

Plot Summary Review: The Devil's Double (2011) Movie

The Devil's Double movie

The Devil's Double is a movie based on a true story that was released in 2011. It revolves around the life of Latif Yahia, an Iraqi army lieutenant who is forced to become a body double for Saddam Hussein's sadistic son, Uday. The movie is directed by Lee Tamahori and stars Dominic Cooper, Ludivine Sagnier, and Raad Rawi.

Plot Summary

The story begins in Baghdad during the late 1980s. Latif Yahia (Dominic Cooper) is summoned to the presidential palace of Saddam Hussein, where Uday Hussein (also played by Dominic Cooper) orders him to become his body double. Latif is trained to become Uday's double, and he soon finds himself caught up in the dangerous and lavish lifestyle of the Hussein family. He witnesses Uday's brutal and sadistic behavior, which includes rape, murder, and torture.

As Latif struggles to maintain his sanity and identity, he falls for one of Uday's mistresses, the French journalist Sarrab (Ludivine Sagnier). However, their relationship comes under threat when Latif is caught in the middle of a power struggle within the Hussein family.

Review

The Devil's Double is a gripping and intense movie that is not for the faint-hearted. The movie portrays the horrors of Saddam Hussein's regime, and the sadistic behavior of his son, Uday. Dominic Cooper delivers a brilliant performance as both Latif and Uday, and convincingly portrays the stark contrast between the two characters. The movie also touches on themes of identity, loyalty, and the corrupting influence of power.

Overall, The Devil's Double is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, politics, and human psychology. The movie is a vivid reminder of the atrocities committed by Saddam Hussein's regime, and a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

Characters and their backgrounds Review The Devil's Double (2011) Movie

Characters and their backgrounds Review The Devil's Double (2011) Movie

The Devil's Double (2011) is a movie that features the story of Uday Hussein, the notorious son of Saddam Hussein and his body double, Latif Yahia. The film is an adaptation of Latif Yahia's autobiography and provides an incredible insight into the background of the characters.

The protagonist, Latif Yahia, is an Iraqi soldier who is forced to become the body double of Uday Hussein. Yahia is portrayed as a courageous man who is willing to risk his life to protect his family. Uday, on the other hand, is depicted as a cruel and violent man who has no regard for human life. The film provides a glimpse into Uday's background and his troubled childhood, making it easier for the audience to understand his actions.

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The supporting characters in the movie are also well developed, providing depth and complexity to the story. For example, Sarrab, Uday's mistress, is portrayed as a woman who is caught between her love for Uday and her fear for her life. This character development helps to create a more immersive viewing experience.

Overall, the film provides a fascinating insight into the background of the main characters and their motivations. The acting is superb, and the cinematography is top-notch. The Devil's Double is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in the history and politics of the Middle East.

Setting and Location Review of The Devil's Double (2011) Movie

The Devil's Double Movie Poster

Overview

The Devil's Double is a 2011 film that was directed by Lee Tamahori, based on a true story about Uday Hussein, the son of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. The movie features Dominic Cooper playing a dual role as Uday and Latif Yahia, who served as Uday's body double.

Setting

The movie takes place in Baghdad during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The film's setting and environment are intense and chaotic, conveying the atmosphere of a war-torn and politically unstable country. The film effectively captured the essence of the Iraqi capital through its portrayal of lavish parties and decadent lifestyles of Hussein's inner circle. The use of dark filters and gritty cinematography adds to the portrayal of the city's overwhelming and oppressive atmosphere.

Location

The majority of the film was shot in Malta, which provided an excellent primary location to create the Iraqi environment physically. The filmmakers have skillfully recreated the elegant interiors of Baghdad's palaces, opulent hotels, and swanky clubs that offer a stark contrast to the lives of ordinary citizens outside its walls.

The Devil's Double is an excellent movie that tells a rarely seen story. The film has managed to provide an intense and realistic portrayal of Bagdad in a highly creative manner, utilizing an intricate location and set design, top-notch production values, and powerful performances. It's a must-watch film for anyone interested in the world's politics, history, and cinematic storytelling.

Cinematography and Visual Effects Review: The Devil's Double (2011) Movie

The Devil's Double movie poster

An Introduction to The Devil's Double

The Devil's Double is a 2011 movie that tells the story of a man named Latif Yahia, who is forced to become the body double for Saddam Hussein's son, Uday. The movie received mixed reviews, but it is widely praised for its stunning cinematography and impressive visual effects.

The Cinematography of The Devil's Double

The Devil's Double boasts some of the most impressive cinematography of any movie in recent memory. The camera work is smooth and steady, and the shots are well-composed. The use of lighting and shadow is particularly effective, and it helps to create a tense and dramatic atmosphere.

The Visual Effects of The Devil's Double

The Devil's Double also features some impressive visual effects. The use of CGI to create explosions and other special effects is seamless and convincing. The movie also uses practical effects, such as makeup and prosthetics, to create the illusion of two separate actors playing the roles of Uday and Latif. These effects are so well done that it is often difficult to tell which actor is on screen at any given moment.

Final Thoughts on The Devil's Double

While The Devil's Double may not be for everyone, there is no denying that it is a visually stunning movie. The cinematography and visual effects are both top-notch, and they work together to create a truly immersive world. Whether you are a fan of action movies or just appreciate gorgeous filmmaking, The Devil's Double is definitely worth checking out.

Sound and Music Review The Devil's Double (2011) Movie

The Devil's Double Movie Review

The Soundtrack

The Devil's Double (2011) is a movie that follows the life of Saddam Hussein's son Uday and his body double, Latif Yahia. The movie has an outstanding soundtrack that perfectly captures the mood of the movie. The music features a combination of Arabic and Western beats that make it stand out. It blends seamlessly with the action of the movie and heightens the emotions of the viewer.

The Sound Effects

The Devil's Double also features some excellent sound effects. The sounds of gunfire, car engines revving, and people shouting all add to the realism of the movie. The background score also complements the sound effects and adds more depth to the film. The production team did an excellent job of using sound to enhance the overall viewing experience.

Voice Acting

The voice acting in The Devil's Double is top-notch. The lead actor, Dominic Cooper, plays both Uday and Latif with ease, and his vocal delivery is impressive. His ability to switch between the two characters is impressive, and it is easy to distinguish between the two. The supporting cast also delivers excellent performances, and their voices are well-suited to their characters.

The Overall Sound Design

The overall sound design of The Devil's Double is exceptional. The combination of background score, sound effects, and voice acting makes it one of the best sound designs in recent years. The sound design team did an outstanding job of creating an immersive experience that draws the viewer into the movie.

In conclusion, The Devil's Double (2011) is a movie with outstanding sound design. The soundtrack, sound effects, voice acting, and overall sound design all come together to create a truly immersive experience. If you are a fan of good sound design, then The Devil's Double is definitely worth watching.

Themes and Messages Conveyed in The Devil's Double (2011) Movie

The Devil's Double

The Devil's Double (2011) is a gripping movie that follows the story of Latif Yahia, an Iraqi soldier who is forced to become the body double of Uday Hussein, the notorious son of Saddam Hussein. The movie explores several themes and messages that are relevant to our society today.

One of the key themes of the movie is the corrupting nature of power. Uday Hussein is portrayed as a man who has everything he could want but is still never satisfied. His thirst for power and control leads him to commit numerous atrocities, including rape and murder. This theme is relevant in today's society where many people in positions of power are corrupted by it.

Another theme that the movie explores is the devastating effects of war on ordinary people. The movie is set during the Persian Gulf War, and we see the impact that it has on the Iraqi people. Latif Yahia, who is just a young soldier, is forced to take on the dangerous job of being Uday Hussein's body double. This theme is relevant today, especially with the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the impact they have on civilians.

The movie also contains several messages. One of the messages is the importance of standing up for what is right, even if it means putting yourself in danger. Latif Yahia, despite the risks, decides to defect from the Hussein regime and stand up against the atrocities he has witnessed. This message is relevant today, especially with the rise of several social and political movements that demand justice and equality.

Overall, The Devil's Double (2011) is a movie that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It explores several themes and messages that are relevant to our society today and serves as a reminder of the consequences of corruption and war.

Critical Reception and Reviews:

The Devil's Double movie poster

The Devil's Double, a 2011 drama film directed by Lee Tamahori, received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. The movie is based on the true story of Latif Yahia, an Iraqi army lieutenant who was forced to become the body double for Saddam Hussein's son Uday.

While some critics praised the film for its intense storytelling, others criticized it for its glamorization of violence and sexual content. Many reviewers expressed unease with the heavy focus on Uday's character, as he was known for his brutal and erratic behavior in real life.

The movie's star, Dominic Cooper, received acclaim for his performance as both Latif and Uday. Critics noted the difficulty of portraying such distinct personalities and praised Cooper's ability to capture the nuance of each role.

Overall, The Devil's Double received a 53% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with some critics calling it a "flawed but fascinating film" and others dismissing it as "exploitative." While the film has its flaws, its intense performances and gripping plot make it an intriguing watch.

Box Office Performance and Awards Won Review of The Devil's Double (2011) Movie

Box Office Performance and Awards Won Review of The Devil's Double (2011) Movie

The Devil's Double is a gripping and intense movie based on the true story of Latif Yahia. The movie was directed by Lee Tamahori and released in 2011. For this movie, Tamahori chose Dominic Cooper to play the double role of Uday Hussein and Latif Yahia, and Cooper did complete justice to both the roles. However, let's dive deeper into the box office performance and awards won by this movie.

The Devil's Double was not a huge commercial success as it only grossed around $2.33 million at the box office, but it did receive critical acclaim for its intense storyline and brilliant performances. Dominic Cooper's portrayal of Uday Hussein was particularly lauded by critics, earning him a nomination for Best Actor at the Satellite Awards.

Apart from the Satellite Award nomination, the movie won several international film festival awards. These awards include the Cinematography Award at Sundance Film Festival, Best Film at Sitges Film Festival, Best Screenplay at Fantasporto, and the Award of the Jury at the São Paulo International Film Festival.

In conclusion, although The Devil's Double did not perform exceptionally well at the box office, it received recognition and acclaim for its unique storyline and powerful performances. The movie managed to win several international film festival awards which speak to its quality. If you love movies that delve into politics, power, and corruption, The Devil's Double is worth a watch.

Conclusion Review The Devil's Double (2011) Movie

The Devil's Double Movie

"The Devil's Double" is a movie that leaves a lasting impression. The movie is an intense and gripping drama, showcasing a glimpse of the life led by the infamous Saddam Hussein and his son Uday during the late 80s-early 90s. The movie captures the raw and brutal essence of the times, where power and money could buy anything, and anyone. The lead actor Dominic Cooper delivers a stunning performance as Uday Hussein and his double Latif Yahia.

The movie takes us on a journey through the eyes of Latif Yahia, who is a brave Iraqi soldier forced to become the double of Uday Hussein. The movie shows us the lavish lifestyle of Uday, his erratic behavior, and his complete disregard for human life. Latif Yahia keeps us on the edge of our seats with his struggles to maintain sanity while bearing witness to the atrocities committed in the palace.

The climax of the movie is not only heart-wrenching but also disturbing. The movie's final lines, "There are no happy endings in Iraq. Just beginnings," leaves us with a sense of emptiness and despair. The movie brings out the futility of war, where the winners are not always the ones who come out on top. The movie is a must-watch for all those who have an interest in politics and history.

In conclusion, "The Devil's Double" is a movie that leaves a lasting impression on its viewers. The intense and brutal portrayal of Saddam Hussein's and Uday's life, the outstanding performance by Dominic Cooper, and the final lines of the movie make it a compelling watch. The movie brings out the futility of war and the despair that it leaves behind, making us ponder on the devastating effects of power and greed.

The Devil's Double (2011) Review

If you're looking for an intense and gripping movie experience, then The Devil's Double is a must-watch. The movie is based on a true story of Latif Yahia, an Iraqi soldier who was forced to become the body double of Uday Hussein, the notorious son of Saddam Hussein.

The film showcases the extreme and brutal lifestyle of Uday, which leaves the audience feeling both horrified and captivated. One of the most impressive aspects of the movie is how convincing and excellent Dominic Cooper is in his dual role as Uday and Latif. His portrayal of the two distinct characters is truly remarkable.

The film takes the audience on a roller coaster ride of emotions, as it shows the cruel and inhumane actions of Uday. At the same time, it also exposes the inner turmoil of Latif Yahia, who grapples with the fact that he's been forced to live a life that isn't his own.

The direction by Lee Tamahori is powerful and precise, making every scene impactful. The story is well-paced and holds the audience's attention throughout the movie. The cinematography and soundtrack also complement the film perfectly, further adding to the overall experience.

In conclusion, The Devil's Double is a movie that packs a punch and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The movie offers a glimpse into a world of crime, cruelty, and corruption, and the lengths people will go to survive. I highly recommend giving this movie a chance, as it is an unforgettable and enthralling cinematic experience!

Until next time readers, happy watching! Don't forget to share this review with your friends and family so they too can experience this amazing movie!

Review The Devil'S Double (2011) Movie