Summoned from the frontline to Saddam Hussein’s palace, Iraqi army lieutenant Latif Yahia is thrust into the highest echelons of the “royal family” when he's ordered to become the “fiday”—or body double—to Saddam’s son, the notorious “Black Prince” Uday Hussein, a reckless, sadistic party-boy with a rabid hunger for sex and brutality. With his and his family’s lives at stake, Latif must surrender his former self forever as he learns to walk, talk and act like Uday. But nothing could have prepared him for the horror of the Black Prince’s psychotic, drug-addled life of fast cars, easy women and impulsive violence. With one wrong move costing him his life, Latif forges an intimate bond with Sarrab, Uday’s seductive mistress who’s haunted by her own secrets. But as war looms with Kuwait and Uday’s depraved gangster regime threatens to destroy them all, Latif realizes that escape from the devil’s den will only come at the highest possible cost.

What is the budget of The Devil's Double?

The Devil's Double (2011) offers a gripping portrayal of life under Saddam Hussein's regime, showcasing the harrowing experiences of Iraqi army lieutenant Latif Yahia. Directed by Lee Tamahori, the film stars Dominic Cooper in a dual role as both Latif and Uday Hussein, alongside Ludivine Sagnier as Sarrab. Released on August 5, 2011, this intense drama not only captivates audiences with its storytelling but also raises questions about its financial performance, particularly its budget.

Budget Overview

The production budget for The Devil's Double was set at $19,100,000. When compared to other films in the biographical drama genre, this budget falls within a moderate range. For instance, films like "The Imitation Game" had a budget of around $14 million, while "American Sniper" reached approximately $58 million. This positioning indicates that The Devil's Double aimed for a balance between quality production and financial feasibility.

What were the major production costs?

Several factors contributed to the overall production costs of The Devil's Double. Key elements included:

- Location Filming: Capturing the essence of Iraq required significant investment in authentic locations.

- Talent: The dual role played by Dominic Cooper necessitated a higher talent budget.

- Costumes and Set Design: Creating an accurate representation of the 1990s Iraqi elite involved meticulous attention to detail.

Noteworthy scenes, particularly those depicting Uday's extravagant lifestyle, likely incurred additional expenses. While the film aimed to stay within its budget, challenges such as location logistics and the need for high-quality production values may have led to budget overruns.

How did The Devil's Double perform at the box office?

The worldwide box office earnings for The Devil's Double totaled $5,965,646.00, with domestic earnings accounting for $1,361,512.00. Analyzing the break-even point reveals that the film did not recoup its production costs, resulting in a significant financial loss. The return on investment (ROI) percentage stands at approximately -70%, indicating that the film struggled to attract a wide audience.

Was The Devil's Double profitable?

Given the box office performance, The Devil's Double was not profitable. The financial impact on the production companies involved, including Corsan and Staccato, was likely negative, affecting their future project decisions. The film's underperformance may have influenced budget allocations for subsequent films in the genre, as studios often reassess financial strategies based on past results.

Commonly Asked Questions

How much did The Devil's Double (2011) cost to make?

The production cost of The Devil's Double was $19,100,000.

Was The Devil's Double (2011) profitable?

No, the film was not profitable, as it failed to recoup its production costs.

What was the most expensive element of The Devil's Double (2011)?

The most expensive elements likely included location filming and talent costs, particularly for Dominic Cooper's dual role.

How much did The Devil's Double (2011) make at the box office?

The film earned $5,965,646.00 worldwide.

Did The Devil's Double (2011) go over budget?

While specific details on budget overruns are not disclosed, challenges in production suggest that costs may have exceeded initial estimates.

Final Thoughts

The financial journey of The Devil's Double highlights the complexities of filmmaking, particularly in the biographical drama genre. With a budget of $19,100,000 and a disappointing box office return of $5,965,646.00, the film serves as a case study in the challenges of balancing artistic vision with financial viability.