Forbidden Lie$

Anna Broinowski's extraordinary documentary about literary fraud focuses on Norma Khouri, a Jordanian-born writer whose 2003 bestseller Forbidden Love detailed the tragedy of a so-called honor killing in her native country. After the book appeared in Jordan, complaints surfaced regarding blatant errors in the text. Khouri relocated to Australia in 2004, but controversy followed: her claims of being a “Catholic virgin” were discredited when evidence of her marriage and two children was made public. Broinowski takes Khouri to Jordan to prove that her work was not fiction, but finds nothing to confirms its legitimacy. Khouri is also questioned about allegations of involvement in several financial swindles but claims ignorance. Watching Forbidden Lie$, the viewer is easily caught up in Khouri's misadventures, while also wondering how she can possibly get away with her tales. Incredibly, she does—and the genuine shock comes in discovering that she is still playing everyone for a sucker, without remorse. While making it clear that she is not supportive of Khouri's antics, Broinowski gives her free reign in the film—a gamble that pays off as the chase for the truth grows more intense. DVD extras include audio commentary with Broinowski and Khouri, filmmaker interviews, deleted scenes, featurettes, and a director's diary. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)