Review of The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things (2004) by Sandy R — 30 Jan 2013

First let's talk about J.T. LeRoy, J.T. Leroy doesn't actually exist, he was an identity created by the female writer Laura Albert. Whenever J.T. LeRoy appeared in public he was actually played by a woman.

The whole thing was a huge literary hoax that conned many celebrities (including some who starred in this picture) into offering support. Whether the original author or the supposedly autobiographical writings are fictional or not should be of no real detriment to the film.

The subject matter covered within this film is very real. This is a no holds barred look at child abuse. Actress and filmmaker Asia Argento (daughter of horror director Dario Argento) has directed a powerful screen adaptation which documents a boy's truly harrowing journey through childhood.

The film is very artistic given what we now know and the true extent and exploitative nature of the original work. The performances are to be wholly commended, especially Jimmy Bennett who is phenomenal as Jeremiah, aged 7.

This film is certainly not for everyone but I found it gripped me and wouldn't let me go. I think Asia poured her heart and soul into this film and it really shows, and as such it's an extremely dark, raw but hauntingly beautiful film.