Catfish Review

There may not be a better possible double feature at theaters right now than The Social Network and Catfish.  While the former chronicles the birth of Facebook, the latter explores the dangers of the site (and of the internet in general).  It shows the way that people inevitably bend technological advances to selfish means.  The film nearly crosses over into exploitative territory as the mystery begins to unravel, but the impressively even tone and moving honesty that mark the film's final act help it to firmly remain a fascinating documentary, and not something more sinister.

If you've heard anything about Catfish, chances are you've been told to go into it knowing as little as possible.  I completely agree that this is the best case scenario, though I would argue that such is true for any film.  If you've never gone into a movie knowing nothing about its content, this is a great place to start.  It's such a timely subject, one that everyone can relate to, and it's presented in a frank, refreshingly under-produced way.  Much of the footage feels like simple home movie-type footage (because it is).

That's not to say that the film lacks style.  On the contrary, the film relies heavily on internet sites--most notably Facebook and Google Maps--to illustrate the story and provide insight into characters and settings.  It's an extremely effective technique that supports the story and shows just how (creepily) far technology has come.

Witnessing the filmmakers' journey is fascinating.  What starts as an unlikely friendship between a photographer in New York and a child painter in Michigan evolves into a love story and then, after a shocking twist, becomes something psychological and deeply emotional.  The film calls attention to the integrity of artistic creation, the anonymity of technology, and the weight every decision potentially carries.  The film delves surprising emotional depths, and its objectivity toward its pivotal player (the titular "catfish") allows each audience member to form his or her own opinion, which will likely vary wildly from person to person.  For me, the prevailing sentiment was one of sadness, even pity.  But that's simplifying feelings that are hard to fully express.

Catfish is a film that will have you talking after you leave the theater.  Its relevance to our culture and the shocking nature of what unfolds will probably leave you speechless, but only for so long.  There's simply too much to discuss.