The Imposter

[prettyxcool]

This was my second viewing and it holds up very well.

Here's the review I wrote for it last month: http://londonfilmfanatiq.com/2012/06/22/the-imposter/

I'll transcribe the Q&A from today, but will post it closer to release.

Thanks for sharing sf. I always enjoy reading your reviews. Good or bad!

[TheyCallMeMrGlass]

I did not see the humorous side of it. I knew bits of the story as it was on the news a few years back in France,
I just found it was extremely well crafted, and this fascinating story deserved to be told. The guy did his time, he is now a free man, I don;t see much problem with him being interviewed.

I don't see your point about Christian forgiveness though!?

Forgiving those who have done their time...I have a problem with that, and its my weakness and I will accept any accusation that I may be irrational :) I just dont think they should get a platform and be pa*d for entertaining their story relating to their crime. Regardless of the auidience re-action, it disgusts me that he is relishing his on screen presence, gaining from the crimes he's committed. I may be the only one to see it that way it seems but I am sorry to go against the grain of everyone's views in this one instance

The documentary ridicules the family who lost their son, and is still missing. It was clear to me the audience laughed at their naivety and almost feels we are laughing with the criminal, at the family. I totally agree its well crafted, you know I give very high marks. I just question the morality in the way the story is told and allowing that vermin to entertain. I'm getting repetitive, sorry, I just hope my point is understood, not asking for anyone to agree with me!

[soonforgotten]

This was my second viewing and it holds up very well.

Here's the review I wrote for it last month: http://londonfilmfanatiq.com/2012/06/22/the-imposter/

I'll transcribe the Q&A from today, but will post it closer to release.

Thanks for sharing sf. I always enjoy reading your reviews. Good or bad!

Thanks, PXC. I appreciate that.

[Celini]

I don't see your point about Christian forgiveness though!?

Forgiving those who have done their time...I have a problem with that, and its my weakness and I will accept any accusation that I may be irrational :) I just dont think they should get a platform and be pa*d for entertaining their story relating to their crime.

I think we are all entitled to our opinion; but I just wanted to point that what you describe as nothing to do with "Christian forgiveness" (I am a convinced agnostic, I would know if I had Christian tendencies ), it's more acceptance of our society and its justice system.

Also, keep in mind it's a documentary, I don't see why and how the interviewees would be pa*d. I won't deny the platform allowing him to show off though!

I am not defending the guy; after reading some of his recent twitter interventions/responses to people, I am quite convinced he is an asshole

[Diane65]

I did not see the humorous side of it. I knew bits of the story as it was on the news a few years back in France,
I just found it was extremely well crafted, and this fascinating story deserved to be told. The guy did his time, he is now a free man, I don;t see much problem with him being interviewed.

I don't see your point about Christian forgiveness though!?

Forgiving those who have done their time...I have a problem with that, and its my weakness and I will accept any accusation that I may be irrational :) I just dont think they should get a platform and be pa*d for entertaining their story relating to their crime. Regardless of the auidience re-action, it disgusts me that he is relishing his on screen presence, gaining from the crimes he's committed. I may be the only one to see it that way it seems but I am sorry to go against the grain of everyone's views in this one instance

The documentary ridicules the family who lost their son, and is still missing. It was clear to me the audience laughed at their naivety and almost feels we are laughing with the criminal, at the family. I totally agree its well crafted, you know I give very high marks. I just question the morality in the way the story is told and allowing that vermin to entertain. I'm getting repetitive, sorry, I just hope my point is understood, not asking for anyone to agree with me!

I have not watched the film but reading everyone's reviews and the story behind this I would probably have had the exact same reaction as MrGlass. I am normally very easy going and believe in live and let live but in situations like this I am so unforgiving - I know my head says he has done his time but my heart says let him rot in hell

[Avisute]

I must admit that I really enjoyed the film. Especially when you find out what had really been going on!

9/10

[tsoiboy]

Thanks to Ladylivvie.

Saw this at the Empire at the ShowfilmFirst screenwriter morning. It's the second documentary I've seen after "Searching for Sugar Man." Well, this is a totally different film to that film.

Based on interviews and dramatic reconstruction interwoven with archive film. The blend worked well with a rather gripping story unfolding along. Dark and with hints of black comedy.

A truly unbelievable story and well told. I felt some sympathy to the family and was left cold by the conman even though he was immensely charming but altogether a rather unsympathetic character. His justification for his actions just did not add up for me.

Definitely worth a watch if you get a chance.

9/10

[FBS]

Was highly impressed with this film.

Also just a mention that Sky Movies are showing the film version of this story "The Chameleon" from this Friday. But if you are going to see The Imposter I would wait until after seeing the doc before seeing the film

[stuartboy]

Having just seen this documentary this afternoon I found it a compelling watch. There are enough twists and turns in the plot to keep you well interested. It is particularly good in that you as a viewer are aloowed to discover facts in real time just as the investigators and the family did, so there are a few surprises.
I would echo the directors suggestion that you watch this movie with as little background information as possible as it makes it all the more involving.

Immediately after the movie we were treated to a live satellite Q&A with the producer, director and a special guest who was not the actual villain himself, but Charlie Parker the private investigator detective manny who appears in the film and was involved (and still is) in the case. What a character he is!

Also of interest is the fact that although interviewed as part of the movie, the "villain" now detests the film. He has written scathing reviews of it although admits that he has not even seen it! The plonker.

As a stand-alone documentary I'd give this an 8/10, although I while I would watch it on Channel 4 on TV, I'd probably not part with pennies to see it.

[Beate]

There is an article in the latest Shortlist about Frederic Bourdin - it's breathtaking how selfish the man is. He says he doesn't have regrets because he met his wife because of this and now he is a husband and father of three kids so it was fate. Not a word of the anguish caused to the devastated family who thought they got their son and brother back. Mindboggling.

Will have to catch this next week with a voucher.