Doppelganger Paul

Doppelganger Paul is a 2011 indie film embraced by a niche audience for its unique take on identity crisis, the mundanity of life, and the charm that emerges from the unlikeliest friendships. The film stars Arabella Bushnell, Ben Cotton, and Brad Dryborough and stands out by weaving neurotic humor within its predominantly somber narrative.

In the heart of an unnamed city blanketed in a midwinter chill, the story unfolds through the chance meeting of two individuals - Karl (Brad Dryborough) and Paul (Tygh Runyan), who strikingly resemble each other. Karl, a reserved writer lacking inspiration, is utterly convinced that Paul, an unmotivated copy shop worker, is his doppelganger, the 'double' traditionally portending one's doom or death. Intriguingly, Paul isn't disturbed or scared by the claim; instead, he shamelessly and enthusiastically embraces it, setting the stage for a peculiarly enthralling, realistic, and at times excessively uncanny, tragicomic movie.

Karl's paranoia about his newfound twin represents a life marked by stagnation and loneliness, and his obsession with writing a book about their meeting provides a blistering critique on the loneliness of modern, urban existence. It also highlights the lengths we can go to find meaning in our lives. Brad Dryborough provides an engrossing portrayal of this tension, helping us empathize with Karl's distinctly existential crisis.

The versatile Tygh Runyan astutely portrays Paul as a nonchalant layabout who remains unruffled by Karl's claims. But with his obscure past and lack of ambition, Paul also echoes the assumed melancholy that characterizes modern living. His intrigued engagement with Karl's caper and the subtle development of their friendship form the core of the narrative.

Arabella Bushnell puts forth a nuance-rich performance as the cynical Nadia who shares an undefined relationship with Paul. She infuses the film with a hint of romance and a sense of longing or wanting something more. Her character offers a stark counterpoint to Karl and Paul's ultimately comedic fascination with their assumed twinning.

Doppelganger Paul is a film exploited with the theme of duality, not just in its title or the relationship between the two leads, but in its cinematic treatment as well. The cinematography alternates between stark, desaturated urban scenes setting the more grim aspects of the film, and warmly lit frames signifying the tenderness of friendship. This unconventionally humorous and gloomy film edges into the territory of tragicomedy with ease, bringing to the forefront the paradoxes of human existence.

Written by Chris von Szombathy and Kris Elgstrand, and directed by Dylan Akio Smith and Kris Elgstrand, this bizarre, introspective film is also laced with biting wit, unforgettable characters, and a fascinatingly grim narrative. The writers successfully blend contrasting elements, fleshing out the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of self-identity.

The film features a lighting score, composed by Schaun Tozer, that justly complements the various moods of the film. It pulls the viewers deeper into the chaos surrounding the protagonists, emphasizing the panic, ennui, and moments of levity they encounter, making the journey more immersive.

Doppelganger Paul is an odd yet compelling film that comfortably maneuvers between humor and melancholia. It delivers a poignant commentary on the human yearning for connection, the existential fear of alienation, and the funny side of everyday life. The film resonates due to its ability to engage with the audience's experimental spirit, making it a fascinating cinematic experience despite its surreal premise.