Enemy

 
Though it performed dismally at the boxoffice, “Enemy” — a frighteningly ominous thriller that plumbs the depths of identity, sexuality and reality in the modern world — deserves a second chance on DVD. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Adam Bell, a glum, disheveled history professor who seems disinterested in the world around him — including his beautiful girlfriend, Mary (Melanie Laurent). When he rents a movie and spots his double — a bit-part actor named Anthony Clair (Gyllenhaal), who is living with his pregnant wife Helen (Sarah Gadon) — he becomes obsessed with his doppelganger and tracks him down. When the identical men meet, their lives become irrevocably intertwined in a complex and dangerous struggle. Denis Villeneuve (who previously directed Gyllenhaal in “Prisoners”) fills his scenario with symbols, neuroses and bizarre actions that force viewers to question their perception of the real and psychological world of the film. Though the film stumbles a little here and there (there is some unbelievable behavior), Gyllenhaal’s performance and Villeneuve’s strong direction make for some adventurous filmmaking. Extras: “Lucid Dreams: The Making of Enemy” featurette. Vitals: Director: Denis Villeneuve. Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Melanie Laurent, Sarah Gadon, Isabella Rossellini, Jane Moffat, Joshua Peace, Tim Post. 2014, CC, MPAA rating: R, 90 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $.893 million, Lionsgate.