Simply titled The Imposter, this film by English documentary maker Bart Layton tells an unbelievable tale. Any plot summary doing this film justice has to err on the side of brevity, which is why it will be only one line long: this is the story of Frederic Bourdin, a serial imposter nicknamed “The Chameleon”, who at one time claimed to be the missing son of a family from Texas. The film is so well-shot that it is hard to tell fact from fiction at times and it will force you to remind yourself that this is in fact real life. Expect twists and turns at every corner and brilliant storytelling from real people. If Christopher Nolan created a 48-hour story, it would pale in comparison to this film.
"The movie is fascinating, but it leaves you uneasy, because you don't always know who you're watching (actor? family member?), and you begin to feel that you're being scammed, too."
— David Denby
"The mysteries stick with you. In 20 years time, someone will leap up and shout, "Eureka!""
— Sophie Monks Kaufman
In 1994, a 13-year-old boy disappeared without a trace from his home in San Antonio, Texas. Three-and-a-half years later, he is found alive in a village in southern Spain with a horrifying story of kidnap and torture. His family is overjoyed to bring him home. But all is not quite as it seems.
BAFTA
1 win, 1 nomination
Sundance
1 nomination
A good well shot ‘real-life’ documentary. It was both engaging and entertaining. Pacing was a bit off at times and some parts seemed to carry on too long.
3.75/5
Awesome film. It is definitely one of my all-time favorites now. The saying, “you can’t make this sh%# up is definitely applicable.
The plot is a perfect example of how mysterious life can be, and the documentary was very well made to depict that. It was a wonderful experience