By Sonja Klotz (The Cascade) – Email
In this engrossing film of justice, insanity, and the search for truth, New York Times journalist Mike Finkel (played by Jonah Hill) experiences trials as he attempts to rebuild his tarnished reputation. As he transitions into a new chapter of his life, Finkel learns about someone who is in a similar state of displacement and trials, Christian Longo (played by James Franco). Longo is the main suspect in a horrendous crime, and spurned on by his fascination with Finkel’s writings throughout the years, he steals Finkel’s identity after being arrested in Mexico while on the run.
The entire story unravels as the two ally together to write the story on the crimes from Longo’s perspective, since no other media wants to risk their reputation. Both of them find a fascination in each other’s trials and understanding of their true selves.
True Story was one of the most intense films I have watched in a while. The cinematography and soundtrack were both riveting at times. The opening scene is disturbing, horrific, and unsettling to say the least. Although Netflix has categorized the film as suspenseful, I would say it goes beyond that.
The simple scene layouts throughout the film were what made the cinematography so enticing. The film’s use of darkness and light, as well as minimal interactions between the characters contributed greatly to the vast emotions that I experienced watching the movie. Moreover, the use of flashbacks (family scenes) and cross-cutting (bringing the two characters’ lives together) really captured the complexity of this search for truth and justice. I was able to feel a glimpse of what Mike was wrestling with in regards to providing a voice and platform for those who are not only marginalized, but criminalized by society as a whole.
That being said, there were times where I felt that some scenes were a bit too drawn out. Although there was much subtext in the short conversations that were portrayed between the main characters and secondary characters, as a viewer I was hoping for more in-depth dialogue with some of the secondary characters, such as Mike Finkel’s wife Jill Barker (played by Felicity Jones).
The scenes which depicted Jill living her life in a dark and lonely world as her lover becomes absorbed with the life of this horrific stranger whom society has clearly criminalized were emotionally moving in their own way, but I wish I could have learned more about her journey through it all. After all, capturing the firsthand perspective of an accused murderer does not necessarily come without a cost.
The film’s soundtrack, arranged by Marco Beltrami, provided a constant sense of eeriness throughout. At times I found it to be over the top due to how often it was apparent, and how it was played. The dynamics of the musical score did not always fit the scene. Just as the music crescendoed, I would think something drastic would be discovered — however, it would be just another simple scene of one character re-evaluating their and life and values. Of course it can also be argued that it is these musical dynamics that really captured the turmoil the characters felt about the circumstances. The only un-scored scenes in the movie come during the climax of the plot and some of the very short, yet powerful monologues delivered by some of the secondary characters.
True Story really captures some of the realities people in such circumstances experience. Giving voice to those who are stripped of their liberties and freedom, and providing second chances for some of the people who have failed miserably in their field of work are just some of the struggles that people live with.
