The Imposter Disc Review

• 30th Dec 2012

It’s already got Oscar buzz stamped to it since its theatrical release earlier this year, and it’s easy to see why. The film-makers have got the talent for providing the right visual guide to the story to tell, and the story (oh boy the story!) is a real cracker!

The Imposter tells the tale of how a young man living in Europe managed to convince an American family that he is their son (whom had disappeared several years ago). The young man in questions looks very little (if anything) like the missing boy, He is over half a decade older than the boy would be, he has a thick accent, and different colour eyes, hair, skin… and yet through his own ingenuity – managed to fool the authorities, the family and everyone it seems.

If this were a fictional film it would be hard to swallow, but the fact that this is documented fact and features most of the key players telling their side of the story proves fascinating.

The film doesn’t seem too interested in judging its characters – despite a myriad of moody insert shots that sometime seem more pesky and playful than they are instructional.

But questions are raised throughout about most individuals involved – and it’s here that viewers will have issues with what they find more disturbing – The man who fooled the world, or the family who let themselves get suckered. The narrative peels back extras layers of what is and what ‘may’ be the truth.

The Imposter delivers a lot of reconstruction as well real life footage. It’s stylish and plays at an exciting pace with an ever present score in the background to boost things along. Well worth anyone’s attention who like to get gripped as they watch a documentary.

Steven Hurst