Review of The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things (2004) by Jason F — 16 Jun 2006

I'm not to sure what to type about this movie, my mind is reeling from the disurbing content of what I just saw. This film was so disturbing that it was given a limited release in the United-States and was only shown in Canada during the Toronto International Film Festival. I had to have the DVD special ordered. Although the movie itself certainly was not one of the better films I have seen there is a rather strong performance by all the actors in particular the young cast.

Based on the "true" story of JT Leroy from his book [u]The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things[/u]. Jeremiah is reunited with his mother at the age of eight when he is picked up from foster care. Before he realizes it his safe world is torn apart by substance abuse, sex, pedophilia, alcohol and abuse. Travelling across the country, Jeremiah is given ecstacy and alcohol from his mother, has different experiences with his mother's many lovers, and is eventually "rescued" from his G-d fearing grandparents. Three years later Jeremiah is once again reunited with his mother and he re-enters her world. What is most shocking is that despite what he is exposed to, there is unconditional love between mother and son, so much so the she is a much better parent then Jeremiah's grandparents.

The movie is filled with metaphors, bizzare cinematography, use of camera angles and sudden jumps in time that makes it rather difficult to follow. If you are use to independant films then you should have no trouble following this movie. What should be applauded though are the young actors of the film. Jimmy Bennett plays Jeremiah at the age of eight. For an eight year old to comprehend this world and portray such a character who goes through more then what any child that age is phenomenal. The Sprouse twins, Cole and Dylan, are definetly making a name for themselves in Hollywood, and this film shows that they can portray any role. They portray Jermiah at age eleven. Why both twins were needed for this one role is beyond me, but I would assume one of two things: either the subject content for Jeremiah at age eleven was so graphic that having one child take on this character would be to much for such a young mind; or the twins are so busy on the set of their show [u]The Suite Life of Zack and Cody[/u], being members of Disney Channel's Circle of Stars, and having the burden as the male representatives of the Olsen twins male fashion line that they had to take turns with the role. Either way I think they are on the fast track to stardom and I will admit to being fans of their work (see Adam Sandler's [u]Big Daddy[/u] for much younger versions of the twins as Julian aka Frankenstein).

Wow I think I spoke more about Cole and Dylan Sprouse then I did this movie. They should hire me as their manager. I do recommend this movie, however it is not for everyone and some people might be running to their toilets to vomit. With tremendous performances from the young stars, actor/director Asia Argento, Peter Fonda, and Marilyn Manson, this movie will open your eyes to what we are sheltered to. It's a shame JT Leroy pulled a James Frey (the author who lied to Oprah about the legitamicy of his true life story in [u]A Million Little Pieces[/u]) and lied about the whole thing. Still to come up with something that warped and make it seem real deserves some props.