The Truth

I didn't get into the story at all. I find the film rather boring. Ethan Hawke is an insignificant vase in this film, which is quite a waste of his acting skills.

A lackluster screenplay from an otherwise a very talented director gives way to this underwhelming drama with actors of star levels on their own. The film is structured mostly as a drama but the comedic undertones point at such a wonderful potential for a straight out clever comedy, it's frustrating to see the film never goes there. With a few tweaks on the screenplay, adding a few smart jokes to the dialogues this film could have been a great heart warming comedy with deep dramatic undertones. 6/10

This film is not what one may expect. Trailers leave one to think it's dramatic, but it's mostly a dramedy (comedy/drama), leaning more towards comedy. Deneuve has impeccable comedic timing, and it's a surprising side of her that many don't get to see in her numerous other films. Some reviews describe her character, Fabienne, as a narcissist, but those are clearly people who don't know what true narcissists are like. One can say that Fabienne is somewhat self-absorbed, though given that she's an actress, she is rather self-aware and not as selfish as one would expect (if you know the entertainment industry). Binoche and Deneuve have excellent chemistry on screen, and the difficulty in their relationship plays off well: both stylistically and emotionally. The film is a gentle view of a mother-daughter relationship that has been built on misunderstandings from two people who are quite different in their approach to the world around them. There are many laughs, but a few tears, awaiting the audience. It's one of Deneuve's best roles in a few years and she gives it her all. Binoche provides the more tangible emotions of the film, but don't let Fabienne (Deneuve) fool you into thinking she doesn't care or feel much at all. And that is the Truth.

Stellar performances all round, particularly Clémentine Grenier. A star in the making.

The story, such as it was, left to the viewer to try and work out and unravel.

On the whole it was slow and in the end, just stopped.

I stuck with it, my wife gave up.

If you wrote your own book to tell your own story how close would your memories be to reality and how much would you conjure up, especially in relation to your relations and relationships. An incisive piece of film making that may lead you to further reflection of your own, on how you've arrived at where you are today and any distortions you may have invented for sustenance, survival and to cover and embalm the scars.