Review of The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things (2004) by Donovan D — 18 Feb 2008
Faux-biopic based on the JT LeRoy book by the same name. Asia Argento directs this dark and depressing tale with a very stylish hand, using handheld camera to give moments that are meant to be seen through protagonist Jeremiah's eyes a documentary quality.
Argento herself is amazing as Jeremiah's mother Sarah - she is so deep in the role as the poor child's ugly, foul mouthed drug addict mother she's barely recognizable. In a lot of ways the film reminded me of something that Vincent Gallo would make - for better or worse.
Argento is talented and she wants us to know she is, but rather than coming across as impressive Orson Welles auteurism it seems more like the narcissistic Vincent Gallo variety. In a lot of ways she deserves to make herself the focus - she's the best thing about this film - but it distracts from the story which is uneven, occasionally tedious and probably needed more work.
Nevertheless above average, and it makes me want to see her other film Scarlet Diva.
This review of The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things (2004) was written by Donovan D on 18 Feb 2008.
The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things has generally received mixed reviews.
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