I Know This Much Is True

Heart-wrenching but mesmerizing/raw/powerful performances. Top notch music choices and cinematogs.

Terrific performances all round go some way to anchoring this gloomily moody study of a fractured family. Yet another case where some significant tightening would have helped – after 6 1/2 hours a certain repetitiveness sets in that methodically hammers in every point, as well as leads to inevitable “cliffhanger” pacing. A great showcase for Ruffalo, whose twin brothers feel distinct and different, but it’s O’Donnell who truly steals it and owns the screen during the scarce time she has.

The same flaws that sink "The Place Beyond the Pines" make this damn near unwatchable. I am normally a big Mark Ruffalo fan, but he needs strong direction and--like everyone--good writing, neither of which he gets here. I can't think of a single time one actor playing twins has resulted in a good movie--this is no exception--and the overbaked teleplay tries ones patience. Rosie O'Donnell is a breath of fresh air after Ruffalo's general assholery, and Archie Panjabi somehow rises above the mess.

HBO never disappoints. Mark Ruffalo at his best.