The Unbelievable Truth

Release Year: 1989

Director: Hal Hartley

Review: Sometimes a movie can be a complete mess and yet still be totally enjoyable.  'The Unbelievable Truth' pretty much defines this category of film.  Hal Hartley's debut feature is about Audry(Adrienne Shelly), a gifted high school student who has been rendered apathetic after the realization that everything is pointless since the world is in it's final days due to the atomic bomb.  Convinced that the human race is not responsible enough to hold such a powerful weapon she spends her days waiting for the bombs to start falling in a zombie state of depression.  That is until the day the dark and mysterious Josh(Robert Burke) strolls back into town after a long stint in prison and she falls in love.  The only problem is that he was involved in the deaths of Audry's friend's sister and father.

I have no idea what to make of this film.  I can't slap any one label on it.  On one hand its a comedy, on the other hand its dark and dramatic.  It's terribly acted and the dialog sounds like its being read directly from a script, and yet it somehow all works.   When I first started watching it, I was confused.  It seemed like the quality of a bottom of the barrel straight to video piece of garbage, and yet it just draws you in.  The lines are so stiff and awkward that I had to laugh out loud, and I'm not entirely sure that this was done accidently.  The film also takes you by surprise.  I'm going along laughing at the absurdity then suddenly it switches in an instant and a line really lands, and its meaningful.  To be able to juggle these kind of elements in a film is nothing short of remarkable, and I'm not sure I've seen it done quite like this before.

 It had everything I love in a movie.  It has a campy 80's feel, some great lines and some material that actually makes you think. It's not by any stretch of the imagination flawless.  The plot borders on ridiculous and the characters are all entirely one sided caricatures, and yet, its great because of those flaws.  It's not taking itself to seriously, even if it pretends to be.  I'm surprised this hasn't obtained more of a cult following.  It's one of those films that is endlessly re-watchable and quotable.  One of those few films that I'd love to own so that I could pop it in when I'm down and feel better.  I'm not even going to try and explain what makes it so great, it simply works and I had a great time with it.

Rating: 4/5