Where the Truth Lies
THINKFilm | Release Date: October 14, 2005
6.4
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 19 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
11
Mixed:
4
Negative:
4
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
3
KevinMar 28, 2006
Doesn't really make narrative sense. Characters are never really fleshed out. Not such a good adaptation of an excellent book.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
ChadS.Apr 6, 2007
In the publishing industry, there are two types of autobiography: the memoir and the unauthorized tell-all. Karen(Alison Lohman) is an aspiring investigative journalist(imagine Kitty Kelley with a moral compass) writing a competing book In the publishing industry, there are two types of autobiography: the memoir and the unauthorized tell-all. Karen(Alison Lohman) is an aspiring investigative journalist(imagine Kitty Kelley with a moral compass) writing a competing book about the life of Vince(Colin Firth), who comprised one-half of a comedy team that she admired as a polio-stricken lass. "Where the Truth Lies", Atom Egoyan's least painstakingly esoteric film since "Speaking Parts", is quite the departure for the celebrated Canadian filmmaker of Armenian descent; this time out, he's extending an olive branch out to the hoi polloi instead of catering strictly to a film festival jury(the only people alive who screened "Calendar") and movie buffs(I watched "Ararat" three times, sad, I know). On the surface, "Where the Truth Lies" thrills and titilates, but the central idea that Egoyan really wants to get across, echoes the same sentiment in Todd Solondz's "Storytelling", which is that all non-fiction is basically fiction. Each voice-over narrative, Vince's and Karen's, miss the truth by inches(white lies), or by miles(lies; a conspiracy to cover up the real story). "Where the Truth Lies" is Egoyan's first attempt at genre filmmaking and it's mostly successful, in spite of Lohman's inability(like Scarlett Johanson in "The Black Dahlia") to evoke the Hollywood sirens of yesteryear. Rachel Blanchard(who plays Maureen) is more successful, and should've had more screen time.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
MicheleA.Oct 13, 2005
Firth and Bacon were wonderful, cinematography and music lush. More enjoyable for the aura and characterizations than for the plot. Don't let the mixed reviews keep you from seeing it!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
GaleG.Oct 14, 2005
Smart, intelligent departure for Egoyan. Entertaining whodunit surrounded by strong cast including ever surprising Colin Firth. Who knew among all his other talents he could scat? What's next gangster rap? A slick POV film that begs to Smart, intelligent departure for Egoyan. Entertaining whodunit surrounded by strong cast including ever surprising Colin Firth. Who knew among all his other talents he could scat? What's next gangster rap? A slick POV film that begs to be viewed repeatedly to see all the nuances. Cheers to a job well done All!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
AnandgyanOct 12, 2005
Slick production and many titillating moments, the thriller is astutely rendered, alas the detective seems naive though she delivers. In short; misleading lead characters!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
SpangleMay 6, 2016
Starring classic noir structure to try and unveil the secret behind an incident concealed by two comedy partners, Where the Truth Lies is a riveting film to watch unfold, even if it does make it hard. Kevin Bacon is fantastic in thisStarring classic noir structure to try and unveil the secret behind an incident concealed by two comedy partners, Where the Truth Lies is a riveting film to watch unfold, even if it does make it hard. Kevin Bacon is fantastic in this over-the-top role as the loose and crazy partner, while Colin Firth does a great job as the straight man here. Together, they have great chemistry when they share the screen and even when they do not. This pairing simply works wonders for the film. Much criticism was given to Alison Lohman, but I actually quite liked her. She did fine. Instead of "Where the Truth Lies", this film should be called "Where the Film Dies" because there are more clues pertaining to that than any type of truth. Instead of truth and evidence, we get conjecture and guessing that is implied to be right. If there was evidence, it was lost in the overly convoluted plot structure that adds in multiple narrators and multiple timelines (without making it clear when the time switches). This creates a mishmash of storylines all trying to get out when there is one that we are supposed to be trying to figure out. Instead, they introduce us to numerous different characters who have no bearing on the plot whatsoever. This overplotting and overwriting makes this ultimate ending that much more complexing as we could barely follow the proceeding events, let alone make sense of what led to this ending. Instead of Lohman's character uncovering clues, it felt more like the Atom Egoyan just threw a dart at the wall to decide who was guilty in an attempt to trick the audience. Well, consider me tricked and unappreciative of the fact that this neo-noir erotic thriller missed the mark entirely. I wanted to love Where the Truth Lies, but this thing is such a jumbled mess that it makes it truly impossible.… Expand
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2
hamidgoodarziMar 18, 2023
This movie is the weakest work I have seen from "Atom Egoyan". The film is confused in its narrative, although the topic of the film is so labyrinthine that it can stand until the end. Overall, it is a suitable film for entertainment. TheThis movie is the weakest work I have seen from "Atom Egoyan". The film is confused in its narrative, although the topic of the film is so labyrinthine that it can stand until the end. Overall, it is a suitable film for entertainment. The characterization is not good and it seems to be one of those adaptation films where the original source is much better and more attractive than the film. For his fans, this film is influenced by the director of Armenian descent, and his shadow has fallen on the film.… Expand
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