The Double (1971 film)

The Double (1971 film) is a Yugoslavian drama film directed by Vojislav 'Kokan' Rakonjac, based on the short story of the same name by Fyodor Dostoevsky. The film explores themes of identity, alienation, and the psychological disintegration of an individual when confronted with a replica of themselves.

The plot revolves around Jakov Petrovic Golyadkin, a low-ranking government clerk in 19th-century Saint Petersburg. Golyadkin is socially awkward and insecure. His life takes a bizarre turn when he encounters his exact double, a man who shares his physical appearance but possesses the social skills and confidence that Golyadkin lacks. This double, initially seemingly helpful, begins to usurp Golyadkin's position at work and in society, ultimately driving him to the brink of madness. The film visually represents Golyadkin's internal anxieties and the destabilizing effect of a fragmented self. It is considered an interpretation of Dostoevsky’s exploration of the human psyche and societal pressures.