Make no mistake, Fyodor Dostoevsky was a master of broaching dark subject matter.
Encapsulating psychological fears such as isolation, loneliness and even suicide, the author probably wouldn't be the first writer you'd expect to inspire a film from comic actor and rising auteur Richard Ayoade.
But inspire he has, with 1846 novella providing the source for new mind-bending indie thriller The Double, directed by Ayoade and starring Jesse Eisenberg.
Eisenberg plays Simon - a downcast soul ignored by his boss, colleagues and the woman of his affections (Mia Wasikowska) - whose world turns upside down when a doppelganger enters the fray and soon starts taking over his life.
Dark themes may underpin the film, but you can see from this world exclusive clip (below), Ayoade has fully mined the comedic gold from his painfully introvert lead character, promising what could be his best film yet.
The Double will be in cinemas nationwide from April 4th. Preview screenings with a live satellite Q&A with Richard Ayoade will take place on Thursday 27th March. For participating cinemas visit www.thedoublefilm.co.uk
(Images: Dean Rodgers)
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