Written by Adam Mast

TRUE STORY (R)

Truth is often stranger than fiction, and “True Story” certainly gets a lot of mileage out of that adage. This film feels slightly over dramatized at times, but it’s the stuff going on just underneath the surface that makes the movie worth recommending.

In “True Story,” Jonah Hill plays journalist Michael Finkel, a down-on-his-luck New York Times columnist who finds himself out of a job after he alters—with the best of intentions—a high profile article for the prestigious newspaper. James Franco plays Christian Longo, an accused murderer who assumes Finkel’s identity after being captured by authorities. Is Longo actually guilty of the crime for which he has been accused? Finkel has an opportunity to decide for himself after Longo grants him access to all the gory details by way of a handful of intimate interview sessions.

Hill is terrific here, and this is quite the departure for him. We’ve seen the “21 Jump Street” star outside his comfort zone in movies like “Moneyball,” but without question, this is the most dramatic turn of his career thus far. As Finkel, Hill brings confidence and vulnerability in equal measure. As the shifty Longo, Franco is perfectly mysterious, and since I wasn’t really familiar with the story on which this film is based, I was never entirely sure what was making this guy tick. And quite frankly, I still don’t know what makes him tick.

Felicity Jones also does great work here as Finkel’s supportive wife, Jill. In the early moments of the movie, it appears that this might be a rather thankless role, but in the end, Jones brings the fire. Look no further than a scene in which Jill has a surprising and very satisfying exchange with Longo. It’s certainly one of the highlights of “True Story.”

As previously stated, a grim murder mystery is at the very center of this picture, and as depicted, it is a bit reminiscent of the mystery at the heart of movies like “Jagged Edge” and “Primal Fear.” However, once again, “True Story” is based on an actual incident, and that makes the proceedings a little more intriguing.

It should also be noted that while the details surrounding the murder here are rather gruesome, the film itself has virtually no gore to speak of. “True Story” utilizes the power of suggestion. So if you’re expecting something like “Silence of the Lambs,” you may walk away disappointed. Having said that though, there is a bit of a Clarice/Hannibal dynamic to the Michael/Christian bond here.

In fact, the strongest aspect of “True Story” is the dynamic between Finkel and Longo. Finkel has quite the chip on his shoulder following his departure from the New York Times, and these exclusive interviews with Longo could give him back the credibility he so desperately craves. And given Longo’s narcissistic tendencies, he too has something to gain from these meetings with Finkel. It’s the psychological power plays between these men, along with a trio of solid lead performances, that elevate this true story above the conventions of your average courtroom thriller.

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Adam Mast
Adam Mast's love affair with the movies began at the ripe age of 6 after his parents took him to see a little film called Jaws at a drive-in theater in Northern California. From that moment, he was hooked. Mast began his epic stint as a film critic with The Independent back in May of 1996. At the time, the publication was still in its infancy and known as the Revolution. Through the years, Mast would go on to write for Zboneman.com before co-founding the entertainment site, Cinemast.net. His love of storytelling would also lead him to aid in the creation of the film-centric 501(C)(3) nonprofit, Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah (FMASU)--An organization primarily known for championing storytellers both locally and worldwide by way of various film-related events held throughout the year, including The Guerilla Filmmaking Challenge, Desertscape International Film Festival, HorrorFest International, and A Merry Movie Christmas. His love of cinema and the arts in general knows no bounds. Mast currently resides in St. George, UT with his lovely (and undeniably supportive) wife Tonja and their four amazing children, McKenzie, Matthew, McKian, and Mason.

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