With “Truth in Journalism” director Joe Lynch proves that he’s not only a wonderful indie filmmaker, but that he knows how to add flavor and originality to a popular property. This time it’s a comic book property, and one that’s been iconic since the late eighties.
Taking on the mold of cinema verite in the “Man Bites Dog” tradition, a trio of French filmmakers venture to New York to chronicle the daily life of a young man named Eddie B. Filled with bravado and a shocking sense of confidence for almost accomplishing nothing, Eddie spends most of his days scoping out news headlines for his sleazy newspaper, and fancies himself an ace reporter who makes New York spin with bulletins about death and destruction. Over the course of the short film, the filmmakers get to know Eddie B. more than they ever want to, as he exposes his sheer insecurity, his self-obsession, his grotesque vanity, and his love for eighties music.
After odd incidents involving Eddie staging crime scenes and his inexplicable ability to appear and re-appear in certain instances, the filmmakers are given a look in to a man whose darkest recesses are violent, and filled with psychological horrors. Lynch films the short with enough of a glimpse at the world Eddie B. inhabits but never really forces the elements of this universe down our throats. This makes the world Eddie inhabits feel all the more realistic and stark. Especially since we’re looking through the eyes of an unstable man who looks like he’s about to self-destruct any moment.
It doesn’t become a matter of when, but how. Ryan Kwanten doesn’t seem like a candidate to play Eddie B. at first glance, but his performance is mesmerizing, providing pathos and dimensions to this character that will disturb and amaze its audience. “Truth in Journalism” adds dignity and artistic merit to the fan film sub-genre, and Joe Lynch shows he’s capable of directing a big feature. Get on that, Hollywood! Here’s your next Whedon. Joe Lynch has been the horror genre’s best friend to a long time, now it’s time to show the world what he can do. Plus, the final scene/Easter Egg? Simply the icing on the sweet cake.