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The feature film directorial debut for Rupert Goold, this based on true events film takes us into the life of New York Times reporter Michael Finkel (Jonah Hill) whom we initially find has been one of the newspaper’s most successful journalists. But, when a story he’s put together backfires, Finkel finds himself out of work and not seen in the best light for any future newswriting opportunities with other publications. Going home to Oregon, Finkel is unexpectedly contacted by The Oregonian regarding a convicted murderer, Christian Longo (James Franco), whose just been apprehended after hiding out of the country and living under Finkel’s name while doing so. Greatly intrigued and wanting answers, Finkel ultimately arranges to visit Longo during his incarceration awaiting trial and the two form an unforeseen bond. Promising to fully disclose the nature and details of events involved with his shocking crime, Longo in turn requests assistance from Finkel to learn writing tips so as to express himself with the same level of clarity and wordplay that Finkel had done while at the N.Y. Times. On the surface, the two seem to be fully immersed in a simple and mutual connection. But as Finkel becomes more and more immersed in Longo’s story, it raises certain hesitations in his mind as to whether Longo is, in fact, guilty of the crime he’s been accused of. Soon, it starts to appear that there is much more to Longo, his motives, as the real truths come crashing in on Finkel.
Based on the actual memoir of Michael Finkel, the film carries itself with conviction and steady pacing in telling a strangely eerie tale of a reporter/convict relationship that effectively illustrates we, as human beings, will often desire to see the best in people, despite any and all evidence to the contrary, and let ourselves be swept away in the “truths” being presented. And it is in these moments that we can sometimes become a pawn for manipulation by the other party, and once revealed, is most unsettling, especially when we realize the price attached to it all. Jonah Hill completely abandons his comic roots and turns in a riveting performance as Finkel, a man whose life is down until the potential story of a lifetime arrives. But in that passion and search for the truth, it is the cost of this search that becomes painfully apparent to all those around him, but not to Finkel himself. Franco brings a superbly subdued and haunting turn as Longo, depicting him as someone who is cold, yet quietly calculating and genial in his every word and manipulation during the time spent with Finkel, and it is that chilling, in control mentality that Franco brings out so well here. Great supporting turns by Felicity Jones as Finkel’s wife and Robert John Burke as a determined FBI agent round out the cast wonderfully. Overall, a smartly done portrayal of human nature as seen from opposite sides of the moral compass.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
