Faking a Murderer

Faking a Murderer is a distinctive documentary-drama that pertinently fuses the charm of buddy comedies and the intensity of crime documentaries. Released in 2020, the film is directed by Adam Rodness and produced by 5'7 Films. It stars Rodness himself, alongside Stuart Stone and Josh Cruddas, neatly combining an earnest performance with cinematic authenticity and smart, original screenplay.

Filmed in Canada, this thrilling narrative explores the undeniable fascination with true crime, an interest that has been lighting up television screens in recent years. This genre hybrid, with its innovative screenplay and plot, opens up fresh narrative possibilities in both the crime and comedy genre, offering viewers an intriguingly paradoxical combination that effectively challenges and subverts the typical true crime format.

In Faking a Murderer, Stuart and Adam, played by Stuart Stone and Adam Rodness, embark on a journey to capitalize on the true crime wave that is sweeping the globe. Both are part-time documentarians who seem to recognize a golden opportunity in creating a crime documentary. Following a seemingly mundane trip to a convenience store where they discover a tape labelling an unsolved mysterious murder, the pair set off to create a chilling true crime story but instead find themselves up close with danger that they weren't prepared for.

Stone and Rodness both give performances that expertly maintain the balance between comedy and suspense, their natural camaraderie producing the light-hearted tone that defines the film. But Josh Cruddas, starring as the suspected murderer they are following, truly shines, delivering a performance that skilfully oscillates between chilling and amusing.

Faking a Murderer is enthralling in its reality-meets-fiction approach, often blending the lines between the two. The film, blending a mockumentary-style with a traditional crime documentary format, stands a class apart. It is structured in a way that keeps the audience consistently engaged and, at the same time, effectively manages to provide comic relief amidst the tense, suspenseful atmosphere.

The cinematography and editing further supplement the blending of genres. The film collects simulated surveillance footage, reconstructions, interviews, and social media updates, referring to the hallmarks of the genre. The viewer is then compelled to untangle a web of truth and deception. The gritty shots and somber color grading add an authentic, ominous undertone, while the subtle, light-hearted moments interspersed throughout provides a much-needed contrast, preventing the overall morbid tone from becoming overwhelmingly grim.

At its core, Faking a Murderer serves as a satire of the burgeoning true crime genre. It uses wit, suspense, and comic timing to subtly critique the obsession with true crime narratives while also telling an absorbing story of an unsolved murder. The narrative cleverly employs both suspense elements, inherent in crime narratives, and humor, making effective use of its male leads' comic timing and natural chemistry.

The film develops its characters in-depth, capturing their humorous interactions and earnest attempts at producing a crime documentary. Stone and Rodness render performances that evoke laughs and win audiences' empathy. Their roles of ambitious small-time documentarians strike a resonant chord, highlighting their struggles, anxieties, and aspirations, adding a personal touch amid the overarching crime narrative.

Faking a Murderer also raises some pertinent questions about the moral implications of romanticizing unsolved criminal cases and blurring the line between entertainment and the stark reality of true crime. It further addresses the process of documentary filmmaking and the lengths to which filmmakers can go in their relentless pursuit of truth.

Overall, Faking a Murderer emerges as an entertaining blend of suspense, comedy, satire, and drama. Its twisty narrative is accompanied by relatable characters, seamless editing, and a sense of humor that balances its more serious undertones. Despite the raw, ambiguous nature of its storytelling, the film proves to be one engaging, enjoyable watch, especially for those who are fans of the true crime genre or enjoy unpredictable, genre-bending narratives. With its detailed characterization, innovative narrative style, and significant themes, Faking a Murderer sets a delightful and thrilling cinematic experience catering to a broad spectrum of viewers.