Where The Truth Lies

Reviewed by:
Pete Hammond

A sly and generously sexed-up mystery told in the style of Hollywood's greatest film noir movies, Where The Truth Lies focuses on the mysterious breakup of an incredibly successful Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis–style comedy team of the '50s. Nearly 15 years after the split, an emerging writer (Alyson Lohman) uncovers a story seething with sex, murder, and cover-ups. Kevin Bacon and Colin Firth star as Lanny and Vince, the entertainers caught in the investigation that reveals a distinct conflict with their adoring public image. And that's exactly the point of this intriguingly sensual, highly entertaining who-dun-it: how we handle the truth about our favorite stars. With the current tabloid obsession surrounding celebrities today, this “quaint period piece” is as timely and fascinating as ever, proving beloved stars can be wildly different when the cameras are off. Bacon in particular shines as the manic Lanny, who clearly is patterned on the career of Lewis, although the producers will never admit it. With a couple of realistically violent fights and a graphically filmed ménage à trois (which helps Rachel Blanchard make quite a memorable impression), it appears the truth lies somewhere between two dudes and a murder weapon.