True Story

True Story is a gripping 2015 film directed by Rupert Goold who makes his directorial debut with this chilling, factually based drama. It is based on the memoir of the same name by former New York Times journalist, Michael Finkel. The main characters are brilliantly interpreted by renowned actors James Franco, Jonah Hill, and Felicity Jones.

The film follows disgraced New York Times journalist Michael Finkel, played by Jonah Hill, who has been recently fired for producing a story that was not entirely accurate. Attempting to rebuild his life and career, Finkel retreats to his home in Montana. From there, his life takes a shocking turn when he receives surprising news: a fugitive accused of murdering his family, Christian Longo (played by James Franco), has been captured in Mexico where he had been living under Finkel's name. Intrigued and seeing a potential story that could be his redemption, Finkel arranges to meet with the accused man.

This sets an intense psychological chess game into motion. We see Finkel and Longo's relationship unfold through visiting room meetings and a series of letters where both men attempt to use each other for their personal gains. True Story offers insights, not just into journalism and the criminal justice system, but also into the complex mind games between Finkel and Longo, who both desperately needs something from the other.

James Franco’s portrayal of Christian Longo is an eerie rendering of a man whose motivations are hidden beneath layers of charm and fabricated stories. Franco perfectly articulates the dichotomy of Longo's personality: a man charged with horrifying acts, yet possessing a certain enigmatic charm and intellectual finesse that make him undeniably compelling.

Jonah Hill’s character, Michael Finkel, is a man anxious to restore his own reputation in the journalistic world. Hill brings a sympathetic element to his character, demonstrating his range beyond standard comedic roles. His portrayal of Finkel, from an arrogant yet successful journalist to a man lost and desperate for vindication, is seamlessly depicted.

Their scenes together, locked in a mental game of cat and mouse, are electric and filled with tension as they try to manipulate and extract information from each other, each for his personal gain. It is a fascinating exploration of character, identity, and truth.

Felicity Jones, playing Finkel's girlfriend, Jill Barker, skillfully portrays an almost outsider perspective to the tense relationship building between Finkel and Longo. While her screentime is limited, Jones excels at illustrating Jill's internal struggle of supporting Michael despite his growing obsession with Longo. She isn't merely a side character but adds a critical prism through which the audience can view and analyze the dynamic of the main characters' relationship.

True Story grapples with heavy themes like truth, deception, and manipulation. It contemplates journalistic ethics, identity theft, and the search for understanding in unfathomable human behavior. It offers no easy answers, but instead leaves viewers with thought-provoking questions. Visually, the movie is compelling with its moody cinematography reflecting the dark subject matter. Most impressively, it manages to do so without ever providing gory or sensationalized details about the crime at the film's center.

The screenplay adaptation by Rupert Goold and David Kajganich stays true to the memoir’s spirit, pulling viewers right into the heart of this odd bond between the reporter and the accused. The score by Marco Beltrami subtly adds to the film's overall ambiance of mystery and tension.

Overall, True Story is a movie that does not shy away from decadence, obscurity, and the complexities of human psychology. It's an intense journey into the darker recesses of the human capacity for manipulation, beautifully portrayed through stellar performances and expert filmmaking. It reminds us that truth can be elusive and that appearances can be dangerously deceiving. A must-watch for those who appreciate deep, character-driven dramas infused with underlying suspense and intrigue.