SUNDANCE 2015 Coverage: “TRUE STORY”

TRUE STORY 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 a high profile article–with all good intentions– for the prestigious newspaper. James Franco is 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 this is, without question, 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 if this guy was guilty or not until the final act. Felicity Jones also does great work here as Finkel’s supportive wife, Jill. In the early goings 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.

As previously stated, a grim murder mystery is at the very center of this picture and as depicted here, it is a bit reminiscent of the mystery at the heart of movies like JAGGED EDGE and PRIMAL FEAR only once again, TRUE STORY is based on an actual incident and that makes the proceedings a little more intriguing.

Having said that, 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 that elevate this true story above your average courtroom drama.

As an added bonus, director Rupert Goold, star James Franco, and producer Brad Pitt were on hand at the screening to chat a bit about the making of the film.

More from the 2015 Sundance Film Festival soon!