A handyman (Michael Shannon) poses as a reclusive writer and romances a professor (Kate Hudson).
A depressed alcoholic handyman poses as a reclusive writer while trying to woo a college professor. A white lie attempts romance and comic mockery of the literary world. It also doesn't fare well with an all-star cast that never clicks. The supporting characters are caricatures of academia and politically correct liberalism. They are not credible as fawning writer wannabes captivated by a supposed genius author. The premise never holds up, leading to the film plodding along.
Professor Simone Cleary (Kate Hudson) is on a mission to save Acheron University's 92nd Literary Festival. The school's president (Kate Linder) sees no reason to continue funding an event that doesn't attract significant names. Twenty years ago, CR Shriver wrote a blockbuster and disappeared. A grainy black and white photo on the back cover of "Goat Time" serves as his only visual record. The colleagues in Simone's department are stunned when she lands this really big fish.
In New York City, handyman CR Shriver (Michael Shannon) receives letters from Simone inviting him to Utah as the festival's honored guest. Lenny (Mark Boone Junior), Shriver's only friend, convinces him to accept the invitation. Maybe he will get a car or money. Shriver has been wallowing in bourbon and misery since his wife left him. But he decides to embrace the charade and make the journey.
The beautiful Simone
Shriver is in love with the beautiful Simone, but soon realizes he is beyond his reach. Awkward encounters with a feminist poet (Aja Naomi King), hungry reporter (Benjamin King) and ardent fan (Da'vine Joy Randolph) upset Shriver. What is he doing here? He doesn't even read books. He will surely be discovered as a scammer. But Shriver's kindness, restraint and soulful responses take the festival by storm. The imposter becomes an inspiration to everyone around him.
A white lie have Shannon play two versions of Shriver. He sees a darker, meaner and truthful version of himself while drunk. This imaginary alter ego also appears when Shriver lies and digs himself a deeper hole. Shannon, an actor with an intense presence, is more relatable in this regard. The dichotomy between Shriver's two personalities plays an important role in the decision. It's the best part of the movie, but clumsily fits into the storyline.
We have to accept that Simone falls in love with a mysterious man who embodies her professional dream. She considers herself a bad writer and has given up on expressing herself. Shriver comes along, who says she has talent, and voilà, confidence is restored. Shriver must be the man for her. This is contrived celebrity worship. Shriver spends much of the movie interacting with her. The romantic aspect is unbelievable. It also doesn't help that Shannon and Hudson have little chemistry.
Ridiculousness of writers
As a web writer, we are prime candidates for spoofing and satire. Don Johnson stars as the stereotypical lecherous professor who ogles at female students. He rides a horse because he's too drunk to ride. An out-of-the-blue antagonist (Zach Braff) has little sense in the final act. None of the supporting characters are funny. A little white lie ridicule from writers, journalists and teachers falls flat.
A white lie is produced by CaliWood Pictures, Thruline Entertainment and Big Fan Films. It will be released simultaneously in theaters, digitally and VOD on March 3 by Saban Films and Paramount Pictures.
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