Screenwriters are considered to be at the bottom of Hollywood food chain, but, on occasion, some of them can become celebrities, influential players and even charge seven-figure sums for their work. In early 1990s one such screenwriting stars was Joe Eszterhas. In mid 1990s it all came crashing down when catastrophic box office failures of Jade and Showgirls were ultimately blamed on his screenwriting effort. Eszterhas tried to rebuild his career with much smaller, less ambitious but more personal film. That film was Telling Lies in America, 1997 period drama directed by Guy Ferland.
The plot, partially inspired by Eszterhas’ early life, is set in Cleveland, Ohio in 1960. The protagonist, played by Brad Renfro, is Karchy Jonas, 17-year old Hungarian immigrant who still tries to adapt to America. While his father Dr. Istvan Jonas (played by Maximillian Schell), former professor now forced to make ends meet as mere janitor, tries to remain faithful to old country’s tradition, Karchy has fully embraced American culture which includes rock’n’roll music. His attempts to fit into high school and win heart of beautiful Diney Majeski (played by Calista Flockhart) are often affected with his lack of sophistication and money. What ultimately helps Karchy is his rich imagination and ability it to present it as facts. Hall of Fame contest held at the school is good opportunity to win with economical approach to truth and Karchy takes it. In the process he catches attention of Billy Magic (played by Kevin Bacon), DJ at the local radio station. Billy gets him a job and becomes something of mentor, seeing that young man with lack of ethics might help him with some of his endeavours. Those include taking money from music producers and producers, an illegal practice known as “payola”. Karchy becomes involved in it and later, when the authorities begin to close in, must make some important and unpleasant choices.
Eszterhas, who also produced the script, delivered a film rather different from sleazy erotic thrillers that had brought him fame and infamy. It is a simple, minimalistic story about immigrant experience, coming of age, pursuit of American Dream and ethical challenges that come with it. Period setting and emphasis on rock’n’roll music gives a film additional flavour. Unfortunately, direction by Guy Ferland is uninspiring and Telling Lies of America too many times look like routine low budget television film. What makes it watchable is the fine cast. Kevin Bacon, who has played psychopathic villains, is great in the role of character with roguish charm built on illusion and who serves as possible alternative where the protagonist might end up if he continues with his unethical behaviour until the very end. Young Brad Renfro is even more impressive in the role of the protagonist and his strong performance is moving in light of the tragic circumstances that ultimately ended his career and life. Telling Lies in America was relatively well received by critics, but still it wasn’t enough to rescue Eszterhas’ Hollywood career that would be ultimately wrecked by An Allan Smithee Film: Burn Hollywood Burn.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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