The Unbelievable Truth **** (1989, Adrienne Shelly, Robert John Burke, Chris Cooke) – Classic Movie Review 7098

Delightfully oddball characters, situations and dialogue are orchestrated endearingly by writer-director Hal Hartley in his auspicious 1989 début film The Unbelievable Truth.

It is a rewarding, darkly satirical comedy of American small-town life about paroled young ex-con Josh (Robert [John] Burke) who returns to his Long Island small home town to adjust to the future after serving a jail term for homicide. There he becomes involved with Audry (Adrienne Shelly), the wilful young daughter of his new employer Vic Hugo (Christopher [Chris] Cooke).

This wittily off-centre low budget movie, costing only $75,000, with plenty of finesse in the handling and oddball charm in both the story and the performances, turns out to be a very nice surprise.

Also in the cast are Julia McNeal, Mark Bailey, Gary Sauer, Katherine Mayfield, Mark Chandler Bailey, David Healy, Matt Malloy, Edie Falco and Bill Sage in his film debut.

The Unbelievable Truth is directed by Hal Hartley, runs 90 minutes, is made by Action and Contemporary, is released by Electric, is written by Hal Hartley, is shot by Michael Spiller, is produced by Bruce Weiss and Hal Hartley, is scored by Jim Coleman and is designed by Carla Gerona.

Hartley immediately worked again with Shelly on Trust (1990).

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 7098

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