A Good Lie (1999) User Reviews

Very clever, well crafted

[rotten-3 · 10/10 · 20 February 1999]

Very clever writing, editing. Outstanding score. One of the better shorts I have seen in a long time.

Terrific. Absolutely engaging, start to finish.

[laura-32 · 10/10 · 21 November 1998]

This short film displays the storyteller's art to perfection. Not a wasted frame in the entire picture, not a wasted gesture, nor a bit of flabby dialog. Told in backflash, the story is both tense and touching, and at the conclusion, tremendously funny. The central actors give fine performances and the relationship developed between the two hitmen allows them both sympathetic rapport with the audience. (This is no mean feat. In fact, the movie is based on the notion of a haunted hitman.) The music deserves special praise. Elegant, evocative, eerie, the music unifies the tensions, highlights the humor, enriches the narrative. Arresting melodies and unique orchestrations are woven into the fabric of the picture. The use of Irving Berlin's old standard to evoke a more innocent past was inspired. From its opening scene in the church, A GOOD LIE is clever, ironic and engaging; the pace never falters and while the subject matter may seem (on the face of it) grim, the film is so polished and stylish you are drawn into its spell. I look forward to feature films from this director and his team. Bravo.

Knock out movie, with a knock out score!

[laura-32 · 10/10 · 6 April 1999]

This movie is fabulous. It builds you up and in the very end, it knocks you down like bowling pins! I would have to say that the best thing about this movie though, is the score. It has a powerful and driving backbone to every track and it fits in with everything that the movie is trying to convey. And just for the added spice the composer through in an original arrangement of Cheek to cheek. Knock out movie, and knock out score. I give a big thumbs up to all involved. -Brendan

Creative, fun film, with a great score.

[Nuff Said · 10/10 · 16 November 1998]

Eltanal certainly has some great potential if he continues to make films of this quality. It is concise, complex, and involving, with great use of camera angles and lighting. The plot is a real twister, with a chilling climax. The score is inspired; congratulations to the excellent composer for such a gripping score.

Student film at its finest

[SikoKat · 10/10 · 12 January 1999]

An incredible mix of drama and dark comedy, this was one of the best short films I have ever seen. In a short amount of time, the plot enthralls you, the characters bring you into the story, and the amazing original score brings you to your knees. If there is not already a cult following for this film, there should be.

I think that this is the jumping-off point for several young film-makers that we will hear a lot more from in the next few years and I, for one, am really looking forward to it.