F for Fake

Filmed primarily in France, perhaps the best way to approach this film is to translate the French title into English first. "Verites et Mensonges" means "Truths and Lies". Notice that each word is pluralized. Welles will go on to present particular falsehoods as examples and demonstrate their impact on those who believe and revere the canards. Regrettably, these are only small samples of the truths and lies that fill our everyday lives without our knowing it. Ah, but is Welles telling the truth? Difficult to classify this film in the normal manner (drama, comedy, etc.), the movie has been referred to as a 'film essay'. Welles presents himself as a charlatan, and there is no question which outlook he favours. I suspect the writer/director was enjoying every minute of bringing 'F for Fake' to the screen. Fast-paced and entertaining, he demonstrates here that he is a spell-binding narrator and a formidable presence.