I found "The Chameleon" a somewhat difficult movie to critique. It's the true story of a young man that lives his life either through the fictitious characters that he creates or through real people whose identities he assumes. The movie centers on one such event in his life where he assumes the identity of a mother's long missing son. When he is reunited with this acquired Louisiana family,he ends up getting more than he bargained for. The mother is a chain smoking drug addict. The sister is guilt ridden over not having protected the real brother prior to his disappearance. The step brother is abusive,threatening and possibly a murderer. Of course,they don't know that he's really not their long lost relative
..or do they. Each of them,in their own different twisted way,seem to need him and he,them. So,the truth really doesn't matter. Meanwhile,there are two F.B.I. agents who are suspicious of the impostor,one of which has her own dark secret and reason for investigating the case. You have interesting characters here and very good performances by everyone. Moreover,it's presented very effectively in a realistic gritty manner. That said,this movie will not appeal to everyone and probably not to most. Why? It's as if you walked into a theater after the movie started and left before it ended. What you see is a snapshot into these character's lives
.. and it's done very well. However,you have no idea how the characters got to the point they're at and you're given no answers at the end. I suppose that it could be best categorized as a good art house movie.
Review of The Chameleon
