It was a shocking deception and one of the most significant literary hoaxes of the century. The short version of the true-life story: A troubled author (Laura Albert) masqueraded as a fictional teenage boy from a broken home and got the sister of her boyfriend, to appear as said novelist in public appearances. In some circles, the name JT LeRoy was ubiquitous, especially when the true identity was revealed and the media controversy exploded.

The shocking narrative of infamous literary figure JT LeRoy is one at least the savvy, culturally-aware public is intimately familiar with not only through the author’s works and their subsequent revelations, but the various cinematic treatments.

Continue reading ‘Jeremiah Terminator LeRoy’ Trailer: Kristen Stewart Takes On A Famous Hoax at The Playlist.

Described as “the greatest literary hoax of our time,” the infamous unmasking of cause célèbre persona/author JT LeRoy in 2005 turned the world of pop culture media upside down. An extraordinary story that made headlines around the globe, the tale in short is: a precocious, sexually ambiguous, then-famous teenage author (LeRoy) — purporting to come from a world of drug addiction, poverty, and sexual abuse — was revealed to be the creation of another writer, a fraud upheld by an actor playing the press-shy persona in public, with her musician/boyfriend as a co-conspirator.

Continue reading ‘Jeremiah Terminator LeRoy’: Kristen Stewart & Laura Dern Can’t Save This Fabulist Tale [TIFF Review] at The Playlist.

It looks like the Toronto International Film Festival is bringing out the stars for its opening and closing films. The Chris Pine epic “Outlaw King” is expected to open the prestigious event, while Laura Dern and Kristen Stewart headline “Jeremiah Terminator LeRoy,” which will close out the festival.

READ MORE: TIFF 2018 Announces Claire Denis’ ‘High Life’ & New Films By Olivier Assayas, Steve McQueen, Barry Jenkins & More

“Hell or High Water” filmmaker David Mackenzie is teaming up with Pine for his upcoming “Outlaw King.” The film tells the untold, true story of Robert the Bruce, who transforms from defeated nobleman to outlaw hero during the oppressive occupation of medieval Scotland by Edward I of England.

Continue reading Chris Pine, Laura Dern, & Kristen Stewart Headline TIFF’s 2018 Opening And Closing Films at The Playlist.