I'm not familiar with the real story underlying this movie and the source material, but the very idea of it is fascinating. In terms of a narrative concept, it's fantastic groundwork for a full-length feature. A strong cast has been assembled, which is to say primarily Laura Dern and Kristen Stewart, but certainly also the supporting cast including Jim Sturgess, Diane Kruger, and more. The adapted screenplay developed between director Justin Kelly and author Savannah Knoopis wonderfully strong, filled with very complicated characters, wired dialogue, varied and tense scene writing, and a duly compelling, satisfying narrative. The crew working behind the scenes made fine contributions, including costume design, hair and makeup, lighting, cinematography, and editing. All the component parts are here for what should be a rich, absorbing viewing experience. So why does it feel like 'JT LeRoy' just never quite hits its mark?
To be sure, this is enjoyable, and I appreciate what everyone involved put into it. In every instance that could or should inspire a "eureka!" moment, however, the epiphany fails to arrive. Dern gives a dynamic, harried performance as Laura Albert that bursts with personality; Kruger isn't far behind, as Eva's obsession with JT increasingly jeopardizes the charade. Stewart's complex role as Savannah gives her an opportunity to once again demonstrate the controlled nuance that we know she has the skills to embrace. However, none of the acting truly pops with the vibrancy that would help to make the film the most impactful that it could be; it seems like the cast are somehow restrained from giving 100%. Similarly, the very premise is rife with drama; as the course of events progresses and wildly spirals out, the fiction woven by the characters increasingly teeters on an edge, making the viewer wonder just how it's all going to fall apart. In some indistinct way, however - even as slight airs of psychological drama flavor the edges of the plot - the utmost vividness is more brilliant in concept than in execution, almost as though the movie is coming to us through several panes of dirty glass. The full brunt of the story just isn't communicated.
As one last insult to injury, the final scene feels tacked on almost as if it were an afterthought, and it doesn't meaningfully add to the picture. The end result is a title that starts with a fabulous notion, but never especially seems to advance beyond it; it's very pretty mud that these wheels are stuck in, but they spin uselessly nonetheless. I don't dislike 'JT LeRoy,' and I do think it's quite worth watching on its own merits. All the same, the impression I'm left with is that we're just not getting the full power of what this may have been, and I'm a little disappointed. If you have the opportunity to watch then it's worth 110 minutes of your time - however, I just don't feel that this is something you need to go out of your way for, even if you're an especial fan of someone involved.
A one-word review of 'JT LeRoy' could simply be: "Almost."
