TIFF Review: Non-Fiction

Different couples intersect with each other and debate the impact of the digital age.

A book publisher, author, actress, and a political aid have love affairs and arguments about technology, politics, and life being disguised as art.  Different topics are addressed in each scene making for a dialogue heavy production which has witty lines that would please make famous playwright Neil Simon.

In Non-Fiction (aka Double Lives) Everything is driven by character and the need for debate with fading in and out of black helping to transition from scene to scene.  The plot does not take itself too seriously as when the presence of Juliette Binoche is played for comedic effect.  There is a lighthearted touch by filmmaker Olivier Assayas in addressing serious issues that borders on being preachy but is helped by the fact that many observations are accurate.  The principal cast is pivotal to the success of the story and each do their part to balance humour with drama.