The Two Faces of January
Magnolia Pictures | Release Date: September 26, 2014
6.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 60 Ratings
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Positive:
28
Mixed:
26
Negative:
6
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
7
sanyrubJan 25, 2015
Pretty interesting film with a good (although not so original) story where the actors shine the most. You have the brilliant Oscar Isaac and also Viggo Mortensen and Kirsten Dunst all of them doing a very good job. The biggest flaw would bePretty interesting film with a good (although not so original) story where the actors shine the most. You have the brilliant Oscar Isaac and also Viggo Mortensen and Kirsten Dunst all of them doing a very good job. The biggest flaw would be that the pace is a little bit slow for the most impatient viewers. But overall the film makes you feel satisfied by the moment it ends. See it!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
zurnzurnJan 11, 2015
The writing doesn't quite fully flesh out the characters, or make us care enough, for the suspense to be meaningful. Competently shot and has more promise in the beginning than the end.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
tvnewsguidoJan 16, 2015
Drags a bit.
It is a long leisurely stroll of a film.
The performances are fine. It reminded me of "The Talented Mr. Ripley" but not as good. If you like the specific period (early 60s Mediterranean) or movies about American ex-pats youDrags a bit.
It is a long leisurely stroll of a film.

The performances are fine. It reminded me of "The Talented Mr. Ripley" but not as good. If you like the specific period (early 60s Mediterranean) or movies about American ex-pats you might give it a try.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
foxgroveSep 26, 2014
Based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith this suspenseful mystery drama is of the same high calibre that distinguished 'The Talented Mr Ripley' another adaptation with the same classy pedigree. This film is elevated by three compellinglyBased on the novel by Patricia Highsmith this suspenseful mystery drama is of the same high calibre that distinguished 'The Talented Mr Ripley' another adaptation with the same classy pedigree. This film is elevated by three compellingly nuanced performances even it's the men who steal the show. Kirsten Dunst with less screen time is still very good, but it is the chemistry between Viggo Mortenson and Oscar Isaac that makes the material zing. Watching them play the cat and mouse games afforded them by the serpentine twists and turns of a very impressive screenplay makes for enthralling viewing. Director Hussein Amir keeps his camera in close creating an edgy claustrophobic atmosphere, whilst not allowing the gorgeous Greek and Turkish locations to distract from the main drama. This may be a low key film, but it is one of high quality. Smooth editing and luminous camera work add to the distinctive achievement. My only misgiving is with the title, the meaning of which completely eludes me.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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5
nicholasbertSep 27, 2014
As it often happens, this film features top notch cinematography and all-in-all good acting, but lacks the plot elements to make it completely intriguing, given the genre. In fact, there were a few flaws that impeded thorough enjoyment:As it often happens, this film features top notch cinematography and all-in-all good acting, but lacks the plot elements to make it completely intriguing, given the genre. In fact, there were a few flaws that impeded thorough enjoyment: Isaac's character is just too creepy and too little mysterious, and Kirsten Dunst is a bit gray, almost stuck in a film school persona; the mixture between mystery and thriller leans well towards thriller, while failing to deliver a thriller's thrills. Also, the psychological profiling isn't handled very carefully, with Mortensen going from a "Oh-what-have-I-done" kind of guy to a ruthless, cold calculator in a matter of minutes.

On the other hand, the consistent choice of colours and the sandy settings provide you with a wonderful thing to look at, and as I said the actors are good. Too bad for the suspense, which really isn't there unless you fish it.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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5
TyranianApr 14, 2019
Some decent acting and visuals but a tedious and confusing plot at times. Snorable.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
quincytheodoreMar 15, 2015
Almost resembling a documentary show of stranded tourists from Nat Geo channel, The Two Faces of January has a deceptively quaint atmosphere for a thriller. Characters are manipulative, morally ambiguous and have pathology tendency forAlmost resembling a documentary show of stranded tourists from Nat Geo channel, The Two Faces of January has a deceptively quaint atmosphere for a thriller. Characters are manipulative, morally ambiguous and have pathology tendency for deceit. However, it's irritatingly slow on creating tension and the script is rather thin even for the average runtime of the movie. The flamboyant visual is just barely enough to keep interest till the end.

Chester (Viggo Mortensen) and Collette (Kirsten Dunst) are a couple who harbor some secrets. They take a vacation at Athens, but are eventually caught in an unfortunate incident and find themselves in a dire situation. Accepting the help of local con artist, Rydal (Oscar Isaac) they attempt to flee Greece. The movie has the acting department covered, a good trait since it's almost exclusively featuring these three characters as they clash personalities.

It soon becomes clear that the seemingly happy couple are far from honest, even with each other. Situation escalates as Chester and Rydal collide, more than a couple of times. Using subtle cues it produces a sense of insecurity as the characters are trapped in unknown places, with slightly untrustworthy company, no less.

The pace as it starts and ends are good, but it falters about halfway. Trivial banters keep the momentum from reaching its peak, furthermore the film uses too much of jealousy and dissatisfied couple tricks. It may build the characters, but the film roams into telenovela realm at some points, not the direction mystery thriller would optimize upon.

Cinematography fares better, with the heavy European vista it's certainly has a different outlook. The retro vibe also helps, there's a distinct feel of classic detective nuance at play here. The mysteries, and also the latter act for that matter, are not highly captivating. The film serves as a crime drama in healthy does, but is not ambitious enough for complex con.

Though it has charming cast and foreign allure, the slow pace might deter audience from taking part in this exotic trip.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
beingryanjudeSep 28, 2014
A suspenseful look at a not-so-traditional few days in Greece during the 1960s. The Two Faces of January has a certain aesthetic which draws you in. Most of the time, you are craving for more.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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3
CPD98Sep 26, 2014
La película tenía buenos actores y una trama en principio interesante. Lástima que pronto todo se vuelve muy plano y monótono hasta que la intriga prácticamente desaparece. La lucha entre los dos protagonistas se vuelve tediosa y el papel deLa película tenía buenos actores y una trama en principio interesante. Lástima que pronto todo se vuelve muy plano y monótono hasta que la intriga prácticamente desaparece. La lucha entre los dos protagonistas se vuelve tediosa y el papel de Dunst es casi anecdótico. Una película un poco pobre.… Expand
0 of 4 users found this helpful04
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7
joaogerundoSep 27, 2014
Joao gerundo : This is one of Mortensen's best performances, and "The Two Faces of January" is one gorgeously rendered old-school feature.
The convergence of two superb writers creates a taut, character-driven thriller.
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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5
JLuis_001Sep 6, 2017
Elegant and entertaining, The Two Faces Of January lives up to its plot, perhaps the mistakes in the script were not on purpose, but hey subtract transcendence, beyond that this is a quite entertaining thriller, with honesty it is worthy ofElegant and entertaining, The Two Faces Of January lives up to its plot, perhaps the mistakes in the script were not on purpose, but hey subtract transcendence, beyond that this is a quite entertaining thriller, with honesty it is worthy of your time.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
SpangleFeb 26, 2015
As a whole, The Two Faces of January is a pretty good film. It is a touch slow, but I never thought its pacing was particularly bad or anything, plus the reward, to me, was ultimately worth it. Though, even if the ending was not as good as itAs a whole, The Two Faces of January is a pretty good film. It is a touch slow, but I never thought its pacing was particularly bad or anything, plus the reward, to me, was ultimately worth it. Though, even if the ending was not as good as it was, it still would have been worth it due to the stellar cinematography in this one, as well as the great acting from Viggo Mortensen, Kirsten Dunst, and Oscar Isaac. In regard to the former, it really is a very sleek and sexy film to look at, true eye candy. I just loved the look and feel of this one and it was beautifully crafted. The writing was alright, nothing to write home about, but it certainly got the job done. At times, it certainly feels like a watered down film from Alfred Hitchcock and if this one had a bit more about it, it would have been better, but as it stands, I did enjoy it and thought it was a solid little film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
DevilmathSep 27, 2015
The Two Faces of January is a psychological thriller adapted from a novel by American writer Patricia Highsmith. Previous adaptations of her work include Strangers On A Train (1951) by Alfred Hitchcock, and The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) byThe Two Faces of January is a psychological thriller adapted from a novel by American writer Patricia Highsmith. Previous adaptations of her work include Strangers On A Train (1951) by Alfred Hitchcock, and The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) by the late Academy Award winner Anthony Minghella. After a significant but fluctuating career as screenwriter (The Four Feathers, Drive, Snow White And The Huntsman), Hossein Amini takes on a challenging task for his directorial debut, proving that his skills can compete with Minghella’s and with the Master of Supense’s himself. Amini conveys the complex aspects of human behaviour typical of the finest thrillers in a surprisingly powerful way: he sharply outlines atmospheres, characters and situations, harmoniously blending them together in a remarkable, intriguing drama.
The story is set in Greece, in the early ‘60s. Walking by the Acropolys in Athens, we meet the three main characters: glamorous American couple Chester and Colette MacFarland (Viggo Mortensen and Kirsten Dunst), and Rydal (Oscar Isaac), a young Greek-speaking American working as tour guide. The characters’ duplicity is immediately evident. Rydal missed his father’s funeral, apparently on purpose; the event seems to trouble him, but not enough to stop him from scamming random tourists. On the other hand, Chester and Colette look like the usual wealthy couple on holiday. They wander by the ancient ruins and have fun together, harmless to all appearances. However it doesn’t take long to understand that Chester is the kind of crook who doesn’t make his living by skimming tourists’ money: he is mixed up in something dodgiers and way more lucrative. Lured by Chester’s sophisticated look and beautiful wife, Rydal bumps into the MacFarlands and sticks with them, hoping to have found another easy target; when Chester’s problems inevitably find him in Athens, hell breaks loose, and Rydal finds himself dragged in a situation he would never have foreseen. His choices must now be dictated by more than just his appetite for money. All of a sudden, the petty criminal becomes way more sympathetic than what used to look like a lovely couple on vacation.
Mortensen’s performance and characterisation of a very complex and troubled figure is the strongest asset of The Two Faces Of January. With Isaac also grabbing the spotlight, there’s little room left for Dunst, completing the triangle in a lesser role that would hardly please the supporters of Bechdel’s Law. As he builds the tension between the three protagonists, Amini doesn’t hide the source of his inspiration: Hitchcock is a presence that fills every character’s action, word and fear. The set up is splendidly rendered, and the story avoids overindulging plot twists, focusing especially on the protagonists’ choices, throughout the first two acts. The plot resolution is way less convincing: halfway into the film, it becomes clear that only a stroke of genius can solve the intrigue efficiently, and complete the puzzle of apprehension, suspense, deception and self-deception. Unfortunately the ending develops on a less original (not to say lousy) note, no matter how hard Amini tries to avoid it. It would be too easy to impute this oversemplification to inexperience or lack of personality, or blame it on a commercial twist in an otherwise rather thoughtful feature. There’s room for improvement, and hopefully we’ll see Amini back in action soon.… Expand
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8
inamor417Nov 8, 2015
A handsome thriller with plot twists that don't always make sense, "The Two Faces of January," moves slowly, but ultimately entertains.

Watch this movie here for freeA handsome thriller with plot twists that don't always make sense, "The Two Faces of January," moves slowly, but ultimately entertains.

Watch this movie here for free http://www.watchfree.to/watch-29f3e5-The-Two-Faces-of-January-movie-online-free-putlocker.html… Expand
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8
TrailesqueJul 1, 2020
If you complain that they don't make them like they used to, then you will like this classic suspense film set in 1962, an adaptation of a Patricia Highsmith novel. A prosperous looking couple hires a slippery young man to be their tourIf you complain that they don't make them like they used to, then you will like this classic suspense film set in 1962, an adaptation of a Patricia Highsmith novel. A prosperous looking couple hires a slippery young man to be their tour guide during a visit to Greece. But things start going awry when the older gentleman turns out to be a con artist on the run. The emotional core of the film is the tension - and the connection - between the two men, and the fact that there is an attraction between the younger man and the older man's wife. Good music, acting, camera, and Mediterranean locations.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
amheretojudgeDec 25, 2018
An Unexpected Detour.

The Two Faces Of January Amini's mysterious yet one dimensional equation among his three dimensional characters is a calculative risk that works as a madhouse entertainment but is a hollow arthouse merchandise. ThisAn Unexpected Detour.

The Two Faces Of January

Amini's mysterious yet one dimensional equation among his three dimensional characters is a calculative risk that works as a madhouse entertainment but is a hollow arthouse merchandise. This film-noir style espionage themed tale is a huge triumph on terms of its linearity and simplicity. Unfortunately, Amini is either unaware of this hidden gold or fails to milk it out in the narration. The adapted screenplay is tightly gripping and far away from being layered, the essence that deepens the gist of the tale in the book, is shucked out by fabricating it into a 60s style cutlery, hairstyle or fashioned clothes.

The brief periods where the morale crisis of good and bad puts our characters into a signified breathtaking drama, is clearly scoffed out to match the pace and clock it at an early hour. Such an unreasonable hurried take on this complex tale ironically bites the makers back to them. The production has earned a cast of such high caliber and it pays off more than enough for them. Mortensen as a rotten millionaire is the ringmaster of this flipping circus, his drunken persona sobers up the film whenever it fumbles on storytelling.

Another similar shady character of Isaac is a challenge to Mortensen, he manages to keep raising the bar till the last frame. Often or not, female character in such genre holds most of the cards, and holding onto all such uncertain maps Dunst is convincingly delivering to the tale. Personally, the first act felt much more enthralling to me than the second one, since the breakfast and dinner table conversations among these three characters keeps you at the brisk of your speculative emotion. The Two Faces Of January in the end turns out to be a familiar face, striking horn to horn on screen for power and emotions, it falls on mediocrity.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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3
InTrippyEntropySep 20, 2021
You know there's a problem when every review starts out gushing about how beautiful Greece is. 3 people died in this movie. And for no good reason. Maybe just to make it more thrilling? The real problem is not the acting. Everyone's great.You know there's a problem when every review starts out gushing about how beautiful Greece is. 3 people died in this movie. And for no good reason. Maybe just to make it more thrilling? The real problem is not the acting. Everyone's great. But you never really know the motivations of the three main characters. You never really find out if they're good or bad. Of course they're both. But the movie does not make it clear what is causing them to act the way they do. One scene seems to show something about their personality. But then the next scene shows just the opposite. We see anger. We see dishonesty, reactions. But we never quite see the thought process. And the last 5 minutes feels like it was prescribed by a Committee of studio executives.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
DawdlingPoetNov 28, 2021
This is quite a tense sinister film, with constant spooky instrumental stringed music played in the background to accentuate this. There are a fair number of scenes which are very dimly lit and so I found it a little difficult to figure outThis is quite a tense sinister film, with constant spooky instrumental stringed music played in the background to accentuate this. There are a fair number of scenes which are very dimly lit and so I found it a little difficult to figure out exactly what was going on but I guess you could say it adds to the mystery of it. This film definitely has a classic feel to it, which made me think back to old gangster/fraud/crime films of the early to mid 20th century. The plot did seem to be quite detailed, even though I found it a bit hard to follow, what with some noticeably rather undecipherable dialogue at times and the dark lighting making some scenes seem rather chaotic and a bit disorientating, as I say. This film is very much about the characters and character development in general, with the viewer playing the role of a distant PI or detective, I suppose, trying to second guess the eventual outcome, identify any fake characters or moles and so on. Its fairly engrossing, with a strong mystery element to it but I have to say it didn't entirely appeal to me personally. I think the problem with me personally, in relation to this film, is that I'm so easily distracted that I accidentally miss perhaps slightly more subtle but yet important plot details, while briefly looking away from the screen. Also, as I say, yes this is a genuinely rather sinister and mysterious film but I think it may have suffered a bit from being too mysterious and unclear...perhaps? I have nothing against stylish films and undoubtedly this is one of them and the acting is pretty top notch, I couldn't help but feel it was a film that had a fair amount of thought put into it but it didn't really 'work' for me, as I felt confused and the various plot twists (of which there are, as I hint, numerous) only confused me further.

I think this film will appeal to some and it certainly does have an audience but it won't suit everyone. I would say that fans of other stylised crime/thriller/mystery films including the Oceans films (Oceans 11, Oceans 12 etc.) and The Talented Mr. Ripley may well enjoy this.

Time wise, this film has a running time of an hour and a half, so it isn't especially long. Another thing I should probably mention, is that given this film is set overseas, in non-English speaking countries, there are many scenes featuring subtitles, with relatively fast dialogue so you certainly have to stay glued to the screen (and a fairly good/quick reader) to keep track of things.

No, personally I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend this film, although I'm sure it'll have its fans. I found it to be quite stylish, fairly engrossing and certainly with a good mysterious element to it but I also found it to be somehow hard to follow entirely, the subtitles were a bit off-putting and the low light in many scenes I found a nuisance and hindered me fully grasping going on but it is a pretty atmospheric film, it just isn't really 'my cup of tea'. As I mentioned previously, I imagine if you were/are particularly keen on the 'Oceans' film or/and 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' then you may well enjoy this but personally, I saw it very much as an average, middle of the road type film I'm afraid.… Expand
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7
geewahMar 30, 2021
This Hitchcock inspired thriller is big on plot twists but does lose it's way a bit in the final act and at times seems a tad overstylised.
Still an entertaining enough flick.
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