As a first feature, The Unbelievable Truth had a startlingly new style at the time, with deadpan humor, intentional stilted dialogue delivery, interrupting intertitles, and randomly posed existential questions, but these stylistic touches was what made Hal Hartley a key figure in the early aughts of American indie filmmaking. It’s a surprising twist to the romantic comedy, the first where Hartley pays homage to his hometown of Long Island. The two leads form an unconventional relationship, that at first, seems objectionable with Josh having a criminal background, and Audry just barely coming of age, but as they recognize the genuine emotion inside of each other– the existential despair, the want of a normal life, and the soul seeking they try to find through art, science, and literature– the romance just works. This, the leap of faith in another person despite appearances, forms the current that makes the portrait of small town America feel real and hopeful, even with its nihilistic humor.
After serving time for murder, Josh Hutton returns to his home town where he meets Audry Hugo. No one can remember exactly what Josh did...
After serving a prison sentence for manslaughter, ex-convict Josh Hutton returns to his hometown to work for a Long Island garage owner, whose restless daughter Audry Hugo inadvertently reveals that the details of his crime have been forgotten and replaced with local legends.
Adrienne Shelly and Robert Burke– so good!
“You can't have faith in people, only the deals you make with them. People are only as good as the deals they make and keep.” – WHAT a line.
Sundance
1 nomination
