Kattiera Nana I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

ChanFamous I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

Myron Clemons A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

Cody One of the best movies of the year! Incredible from the beginning to the end.

Shawn Spencer Q: How can a film starring Ronald Coleman, Edmond O'Brien, Shelley Winters and Lt. Tragg (I mean Ray Collins), written by Ruth Gordon and Garson Kanin, and directed by George Cukor be so awful?A: To quote Shakespeare (who is used abominably in the movie): "It is a tale told by an idiot. Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing..."The characters are poorly drawn, the action, choppy and incoherent; the plot, slow as molasses and yet telegraphed from a mile away.The movie was a big hit with the Oscars in 1947, which only proves the deep wisdom of the "Emperor's New Clothes" all over again. They filled it up with Shakespeare and modern psychobabble and choppy editing and crazy camera angles and no one wanted to admit that they didn't get it.If you want a great Ronald Coleman romance, watch "Random Harvest." If you want a great O'Brien noir, see "D.O.A.", a great Cukor comedy watch "The Philadelphia Story."But don't waste your time on "A Double Life."

Aaron Igay Perhaps the only film which could be called a "Shakespearean Noir." It features extended scenes from Othello, a play within the film, and maybe if I knew that story a bit better I would have enjoyed the film more. The movie does have a great look to it and a great conclusion so the literary among you will enjoy it. The film was nominated for four Oscars and won two including Best Actor for Ronald Colman, so the powers that be obviously didn't consider it to be just a typical grimy B film when it was released like most films we now label as noirs. It does include a scene with the typical gang of 5 detectives from the homicide squad. You know the ones, always full of colorful characters telling jokes. Loudly saying insensitive things like, "Looks like we got a very routine knock off here." as they enter a sensitive crime scene surrounded by locals who probably knew the deceased.

Errington_92 A marvellous film which holds your attention due to Ronald Coleman's compelling performance and a narrative which continually keeps intriguing the audience with Coleman playing well renounced actor Anthony John, a man which such great enthusiasm for his craft that it creates a dangerous complex in his personality putting those around him in danger when taking on the role of Othello.There are hints to Anthony's personality shifts from the start of A Double Life. At our first glimpse of Anthony we catch him looking at portraits of previous characters he has played. Turning to face the camera in a medium close up with a seemingly playful expression on his face. We just like the rest of the characters are yet to be aware of what really hides behind his playful expression. The signs of his complexity become more apparent. "You're two men now, urging for control", Anthony's frequent outburst of monologues, his voice shifting in tone showing the battle of his changing personality. The motifs of mirrors in which Anthony looks into as he changes form makes the audience aware of his personality shifts are extremely effective due to Coleman's performance. His way of immediately changing his facial expressions in an alarming manner and his voice range is to perfection.This of course is also benefited by the technical elements of A Double Life. Miklos Rozsa's score with its operatic sounds slowly building higher in volume as Anthony walks around disturbed by what he hears makes for several tremendous scenes. The cinematography of Milton R. Krasner should also get a worthy mention with multiple well placed close ups of Anthony at his most disturbed, showing us in detail the horrific glimpse in his eyes and the haunting expressions which make Anthony monstrous to the audience. However we are not only shown the differences in character of Anthony within his own physical and mental capacity but also with his interactions with others.Most notably with Brita, his actor partner and former companion. She is the catalyst for showcasing his behaviour becoming the source of drama and tragedy in which Signe Hasso is on par with Coleman as a woman who shows undying loyalty to Anthony while also becoming vulnerable around him. In one memorable scene they passionately kiss lying in each other's arms reminiscing the past. When Brita mentions another man having affection for her Anthony suddenly turns aggressive. Raising his voice in anger and changing his posture to that of a predator who quickly attempts to pounce on Brita. Such a scene fills A Double Life with absorbing drama that makes it a quality feature. Brita's weakness creates feelings of unease towards Anthony whilst showing the extent of Anthony's emotional fatigue. Any film which makes us both be wary and sympathetic for the amoral lead is of high standard.Once Anthony's complexity leads to murder the narrative shifts from character – oriented to a gripping investigation. The change continues to make A Double Life brilliant to watch as it brings in the element of tension between Anthony and Bill, a press agent working alongside Anthony who also has feelings for Brita. All these elements conclude in an equally terrific and tragic end as Anthony reaches his demise with suicide making for an emotional finale. When the ending credits appear you realise A Double Life is a film of great calibre.

Martin Teller A celebrated actor becomes consumed by the role of Othello. Devotees of the theater or fans of BLACK SWAN may want to check it out, I suppose. As for me, I found it too slow. It takes a good long time before things get interesting and it's not really worth the wait. It's one of those movies which treats actors like the most special creatures in the world... even if it is the theater, it strikes me as a bit self-serving (and indeed, Colman took home an Oscar for his hammy performance as a hammy actor). However, I enjoyed Edmond O'Brien and Shelley Winters, although their roles were far too small. And I must say the cinematography is quite elegant, with a few memorable shots. Otherwise, not my cup of tea.