Truth And Deception In "True Story": A Deep Dive Into A Gripping Case

Is truth indeed stranger than fiction? In the case of the movie True Story, it certainly seems so. This film is based on the real-life events involving Christian Longo, who was accused of murdering his wife and three children. Adding to the intrigue is Michael Finkel, a journalist whose identity Longo briefly assumed. Directed by Rupert Goold, the film features James Franco as Longo and Jonah Hill as Finkel, illustrating a complex web of deception and the pursuit of truth.

Exploring Finkel's Reporting Journey

Michael Finkel's career took a drastic turn when he faced a scandal involving a story about child laborers in Mali. Despite achieving a prestigious position at the New York Times Magazine, his reporting came under scrutiny. Finkel discovered that the reality of child labor was more intricate than his initial findings. Instead of sticking to the facts, he fabricated a narrative, leading to his downfall.

After losing his job, Finkel found himself in a vulnerable position, but a phone call about a shocking crime would change everything. In late 2001, the bodies of two children were discovered in Oregon, and their father, Christian Longo, was implicated. The FBI traced him to Cancun, Mexico, where he was posing as Finkel, and this piqued Finkel's interest in the case.

Longo's Connection to Finkel

It turned out that Longo admired Finkel’s writing in various prominent publications. This admiration led him to adopt Finkel’s identity, which he used in a desperate attempt to escape his past. Despite his lawyers' advice, he agreed to be interviewed by Finkel, sparking a complicated correspondence between the two.

The communication included weekly phone calls and letters, revealing their respective struggles. While Finkel was grappling with his own demons, he admitted to lying at times to enhance his image. Longo's ability to deceive, however, was far more extensive, having a history of fraudulent activities before the tragic murders.

The Dark Truth Behind the Murders

Initially, Longo did not plead guilty to the charges against him. Instead, he claimed he was "mute" during the indictment while sharing his life story with Finkel. Eventually, he pled guilty to murdering his wife and youngest child but denied killing his other two children. During the trial, he concocted a narrative blaming his wife for the deaths, but the jury found him guilty and sentenced him to death.

The story took another twist when, from Death Row, Longo confessed to the full extent of his crimes. He admitted to killing his entire family and expressed a desire to donate his organs after execution. However, he soon discovered that lethal injections would render most of his organs useless.

Longo's Quest for Redemption

In a bid to change the narrative surrounding his execution, Longo established an organization called GAVE, advocating for changes in execution methods to allow for organ harvesting. He even published an op-ed in the New York Times, echoing his desire to contribute positively despite his heinous actions.

This complex interplay of truth and deception raises profound questions about morality, responsibility, and the nature of truth itself. Finkel's journey, intertwined with Longo's, reflects the challenges of storytelling in an age where truth can often be distorted.

Key Takeaways