Enemy (***)

WHEN A FILM requires multiple viewings and research and discussion, is it fair to rate it upon first viewing alone? Enemy has got to be one of the most cryptic movies I've seen, filled with an atmosphere somewhere between a dream and a nightmare. This is a movie with spectacular qualities about it, and yet in the end I am left feeling puzzled and disoriented. Don't call me stupid for saying "I don't get it."

Where to start. We have Adam, a history teacher (Jake Gyllenhaal) who is neurotic and paranoid as only an actor like Gyllenhaal could portray. He stumbles upon a film at the recommendation of his coworker, and upon viewing finds a cast member who looks identical to him. In fact, their looks are so similar that Adam begins to stalk his double. He visits the talent agency that represents him, his home... He manages to get the actor on the phone and insists they meet.

Our other character, Anthony (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a troubled husband to a pregnant wife in a marriage anything but spectacular. She suspects him of cheating and it seems like there have been past incidents. He reluctantly agrees to meet, and the two men find themselves face to face in a seedy motel room an hour away from the city. They compare scars, hands... There's no denying that something is very peculiar about the whole situation.

What happens next is partially expected, partially shocking. Keeping this review spoiler free, it is clear that many ideas in this film have been explored before. The success comes from the tone. Denis Villeneuve. the director (remember Prisoners from last year) does a believable job at creating a menacing cityscape without much more than a minimalist music score and some compelling acting from his cast. From hotel to apartment and streets in between, Enemy shines with thorough attention to detail and planning.

After the film finished, I rushed to news articles and message boards as a way to better understand the movie i just watched. Rarely have I felt so lost after a film has ended. While fans have come up with pretty admirable suggestions for the meaning behind it all, what makes it a good film? The fact that a movie sparks debate and theories does not make it great. The burden of that title comes from each individual audience member. While I was at times compelled, Enemy turned out to be a somewhat disorienting movie that would probably look a lot better on paper.

(Awards potential: Best Cinematography)