Running Time: 99 minutes
Certificate: 15
Extras: Making The Imposter, Q&A with Bart Layton, Dimitri Doganis and Charlie Parker, hosted by Jon Ronson
THE IMPOSTER’s premise is so implausible it could only be true. Telling the story of Nicholas Barclay, a 13-year old boy who went missing in 1993, who is impersonated by Frédéric Bourdin surfacing four years after his disappearance, THE IMPOSTER is impossible to second guess, uncomfortable to watch, and the most compelling documentary of all time.
Director Bart Layton uses interview footage with Bourdin, Barclay’s sister, brother-in-law and mother as he takes us on the incredible journey from San Antonio, Texas USA, to Spain, and back again. Never shying away from the facts, or the facade, Layton doesn’t manipulate the viewer, he is unashamedly neutral towards impersonator Bourdin and Nicholas Barclay’s relieved and shell-shocked family. Important events are dramatically reconstructed using actors, making the story impossible to disbelieve in spite of its preposterous turns, enhanced by Andrew Hulme’s fantastic editing.
Meticulously researched THE IMPOSTER challenges every sane thought in your mind as you bow to the irresistible charms of Bourdin, a man you know you should hate but can’t help but warm to, and plead for closure for a family devastated by their missing Son/Brother. Layton, along with the producers, deserve great credit for their brave telling of an incredible story that could easily have sauntered down a mundane, predictable path.
2012 may have been the year blockbusters reigned, but THE IMPOSTER is the true must-see. Gloriously told, wonderfully under-played and compulsive – how many blockbusters can claim that?
Extras: The Q & A is absolutely top draw, in spite of host Jon Ronson’s attempts to turn it into a parody. Making THE IMPOSTER is fantastic and rounds off a small, but perfectly formed package.
Sam is a bloody lovely lad born and raised in Bristol (he’s still there and can’t escape). Favourite films include THE LOST BOYS, DRIVE, FIGHT CLUB and COMMANDO, well pretty much any 1980s Arnie film you can throw his way…even RED SONJA. Sam once cancelled a Total Film subscription after they slagged off Teen Wolf. He resubscribed 2 days later.
Latest Posts
-
Apple TV
/ 23 hours agoTrailer: André Holland leads Apple’s new limited series, ‘The Big Cigar’
Apple TV+ has released the full trailer for The Big Cigar, a new, six-episode...
By Paul Heath -
Film News
/ 24 hours agoUK trailer, poster and release date for Sundance smash ‘Sasquatch Sunset’
Premiering in the UK at the Sundance London event in June is the brilliant...
By Paul Heath -
Disney+
/ 1 day agoNew trailer for ‘Becoming Karl Lagerfeld’ with Daniel Brühl
A trailer has landed for the June-released Becoming Karl Lagerfeld, the Disney+/ Hulu series...
By Paul Heath -
Film News
/ 1 day agoUK release date revealed for Cannes film ‘The Delinquents’
MUBI has announced the release date for The Delinquents, the Cannes Un Certain Regard-premiering...
By Paul Heath