The Imposter
Documentary filmmaker Bart Layton uses vivid reenactments to tell the tale of a Texas family whose prayers are answered when their missing teenage son returns home after nearly four years, and the mystery that begins to emerge as the newcomer's actual identity comes into question. San Antonio, Texas: 1994. A local teen vanishes from his parents' own home. As the clues run cold over the next three years, his grieving family continues to fear the worst. Incredibly, they later receive word that their son has been found in Spain. Despite being ruthlessly tortured by his abductors, he miraculously appears to be in good health. But the more questions that inspectors ask, the less his answers seem to add up. And while his tattoos match those of the kidnapping victim, that's just about where the resemblance ends. Meanwhile, everyone but the victim's family seems to recognize that something is amiss. more..
Director: Bart Layton
Starring: Frederic Bourdin, Carey Gibson, Beverly Dollarhide, Charlie Parker, Nancy Fisher
The documentary equivalent of a page-turner.
A mesmerizing psychological thriller bulging with twists, turns, nasty insinuations and shocking revelations that might have leapt from the pages of a Patricia Highsmith novel, The Imposter is all the more astonishing because it actually happened.
Despite a bunch of fourth-wall-breaking re-enactments, the look is consistent with most TV true-crime stories. But the way Layton parcels out information makes this story as strange and fascinating as anyone could desire.
This is a train wreck you think you see coming, but no matter how prepared you are the nature and extent of the damage will overwhelm you.
A movie that offers hard speculation and harder truths. You won't be able to get it out of your head.
Best Documentary
Austin Film Critics Association (2012)
Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer
BAFTA Awards (2013)
Best Documentary
British Independent Film Awards (2012)
Best Documentary Feature
Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards (2013)
Breakthrough Film Artist
Central Ohio Film Critics Association (2013)