Watch Shadows and Lies

Shadows and Lies is a crime-drama film directed by Jay Anania and released in 2010. The movie is set in New York City and revolves around a young man named William Vincent (James Franco), who lives an isolated life and works as a private detective. William is struggling to connect with people, haunted by his tragic past, and is looking for a way out of his current life.

The plot of the film begins when William begins working on a case for a wealthy businessman named Mr. Vandermark (Martin Donovan). He is asked to investigate Mr. Vandermark’s wife, who he suspects is having an affair. As William investigates, he becomes more and more embroiled in the lives of the Vandermarks and their associates, including Mr. Vandermark’s assistant (Julianne Nicholson).

As the investigation unfolds, William discovers dark secrets and deep-seated betrayals among the characters. The film is a story of mystery, love, deceit, and deception. Through these relationships, William finds himself questioning his own identity and purpose in life.

James Franco delivers a nuanced and complex performance as William Vincent. Franco perfectly captures the character's loneliness, detachment, and fragility. Julianne Nicholson, who portrays Mr. Vandermark's assistant, is also excellent in her role. She provides a great counterpoint to Franco's character as she struggles with her own secrets and desires.

The film's cinematography is one of its strong points. The camera work and lighting create a moody and atmospheric backdrop that adds depth to the film's story. The film's score also adds to the overall ambiance of the movie.

While some may argue that the plot of the movie is convoluted and disjointed, the film is best viewed as an exploration of the human condition. The characters are flawed and their lives are messy, but ultimately, the film delivers a strong poetic message about the struggle to find meaning in life.

Overall, Shadows and Lies is a thought-provoking and engaging film that delves into the dark side of human nature. It's a film that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer and is well worth watching for anyone interested in crime dramas or character studies.

Shadows and Lies is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.1.