Catfish

A controversial quasi-documentary, Catfish explores one of the more bizarre encounters on Facebook’s social network. Back in 2007, aspiring video directors Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost became intrigued when Schulman’s younger brother Nev, a New York City photographer, was contacted after a precocious 8-year-old Michigan girl named Abby created a remarkable oil painting inspired by one of Nev’s striking dance photos. Is Abby an artistic prodigy? Cue Ariel and Henry to start their cameras rolling. Nev calls Abby’s mother, Angela, but eventually winds up in a steamy cyberspace text and phone flirtation with Abby’s blonde, 19-year-old half-sister, Megan. However, when the curious filmmakers and guileless Nev take off for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—guided by Google Maps and a GPS—what they find is not what they expected, although suspicious evidence already points to Megan not being who she claims to be. Catfish delivers a cautionary message about the electronic anonymity of social networking, but without giving away any “spoilers,” it should be noted that the film pushes the envelope on ethical documentary filmmaking. With its jittery, handheld camera-work, and blurring of the line between fact and fiction, Catfish is a fascinating film, albeit one that sometimes borders on exploitation and raises many questions. Recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a “Secrets Revealed” interview with filmmakers Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost and subject Nev Schulman (25 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is the BD-Live function. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a controversial film.] (S. Granger)