True Story

In the true crime tale "True Story," Michael Finkel (Jonah Hill) a reporter for the New York Times is caught partially fabricating a cover story for their magazine. As a result, he is dismissed from the publication and never works with them again. Because of this public disgrace no one wants to hire him, and he has trouble finding work. But then he gets a bit of good luck.

A man named Christian Longo kills his wife and children, and it is discovered that he has been traveling abroad and using the former journalist's identity. It's a catchy enough coincidence that Finkel smells a book deal, so he goes to interview the man and pitches the idea to Harper Collins. Sure enough he's given a $250,000 advance.

Wonder what happens next, how events turn around and develop?

They don't. Longo is convicted for the murders he committed, and there is never any doubt that he's guilty. Finkel writes the book and reestablishes his career. If the filmmaker's are going out of their way to tell a true story, they need not also feel obliged to tell an incredibly boring one.

Since no one really gains any new revelations and the characters don't develop, director and writer Rupert Goold finds it necessary to explore different points of view like that of Finkel's wife Jill Barker, played by Oscar Nominee Felicity Jones. This only goes to confuse the story and make it more tedious, filling the narrative with more unnatural, badly-written and self-righteous speeches from the characters.

Any interesting argument that may be set up in the premise of this story falls short and talented, interesting actors are unable to save the script.

In the special features of this Blu-ray there is an alternate ending that was never shown in theaters as well as several deleted scenes. All of this goes to show there is enough material to form these real-life events into something more compelling. In addition, there are three promotional featurettes, director's audio commentary and a gallery.

"True Story"
Blu-ray
Rated R | 99 minutes
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