The Imposter
2012
***
Director: Bart Layton
Cast:
Nicholas Barclay, a 13-year-old Texas boy, disappeared in 1994. Three years later, his family were informed that the boy was found in Spain. It seemed too good to be true, and sadly it was. French imposter Frédéric Bourdin, 23 years old at the time, explains to the camera how and why he transformed himself into Nicholas, and managed to fool (almost) everyone. Bart Layton's documentary is fascinating but uncomfortable viewing. Bourdin is clearly unhinged but Layton shows him more sympathy than the grieving Barclays, who come across as idiots. Although the story may be true, it feels so insanely preposterous that it made me angry. The twist in the end provides more intrigue but, frustratingly, no closure.
