Duplicity (2009)

Julia Roberts and Clive Owen in Duplicity

Starring: Julia Roberts, Clive Owen
Directed by: Tony Gilroy

Four years after spewing hatred as mismatched lovers in Closer, Roberts and Owen reunite for a far more upbeat affair: a jaunty spy thriller from Michael Clayton mastermind Gilroy. ''It's very witty, humorous, and fast,'' says Owen, a chap better known for sexy brooding than sexy banter. ''I read the script and, the last page finished, I was literally on the phone with Tony Gilroy saying I have to do this.'' The stars play ex–government spooks who, now working for rival corporations, try to outscheme and outseduce each other for industry secrets. While preparing for the verbally nimble role, Owen ''watched old Cary Grant films like His Girl Friday,'' he says. ''I don't think I've ever seen people talk so fast! Duplicity is very much that kind of movie.''