‘True Story’ Review- James Franco Is Charming And Creepy

This film was released in 2015.

True Story is a true crime thriller directed by Rupert Goold in his directorial debut. He also co-wrote the screenplay with David Kajganich. It is based on the book by Michael Finkel. It had its premiere at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.

Michael Finkel (Jonah Hill) is a disgraced journalist who lied about a story in the New York Times, resulting in his firing in 2001. In 2003, he is contacted by another reporter wanting him to comment on the case of Christian Longo (James Franco), a man who is accused of murdering his entire family and escaping to Mexico, using Finkel’s name. Intrigued, Finkel contacts the imprisoned Longo, who praises Finkel’s journalistic work. Against his wife Cheryl’s (Betty Gilpin) advice, Finkel begins a bizarre relationship with Longo as the trial approaches. The investigator on Longo’s case, Greg Ganley (Robert John Burke) warns Finkel not to listen to Longo, but the odd friendship continues to grow.

First of all, James Franco is amazing. He perfectly captures the narcissist, the manipulator, and the killer that Longo was and is. He performs the role with brilliance, and I applaud him. Longo was originally sentenced to face the death sentence, but political correctness saw his sentence commuted to life in prison.

Jonah Hill also performed the role of Finkel with excellence. Sure, they tried to downplay the fact that he was a liar who tried to use hurting African children as his gateway to a Pulitzer, but Hill still does a good job. He definitely brings a certain vulnerable side to the role and showed how easy a killer can pull someone into their world.

As for the movie itself, I think it did a good job of telling this bizarre. I am not really surprised that a disgraced reporter tried to befriend a murderer. It happens a lot. That being said, this movie shows the destruction that this relationship causes and how the killer can use it to help him seem sympathetic.

This is Goold’s first film and he does a good job. He had done several stage plays at the time, so the transition seemed natural. He told the story very well and I am impressed. It was not a perfect movie, but it kept my enthralled and I had a good time.

Bottom line, True Story is an enthralling thriller that shows how murderers can be manipulative. The cast is excellent, the plot is sound, and I enjoyed it a great deal.

FAVORITE QUOTE: Sometimes the truth isn’t believable. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not true.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Strong foul language, Disturbing content

Check out the trailer below:

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or anime you would like me to review.