THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS

Based on the life story of J.T. LeRoy, the young literary phenom who survived a ghastly childhood, this film starts at a high pitch and rarely slows down. Director Asia Argento channels Courtney Love in her portrayal of Sarah, the messed-up mother of Jeremy, a boy who moves from childhood to adolescence in the moving train wreck of his mother?s life. Sexually, emotionally and physically abused by Sarah and her many men, Jeremy draws on his wits to stay alive and he learns unusual survival mechanisms that evolve into pleasures. Argento stays true to the tone of LeRoy?s writings ? Jeremy is a witness who does not pass judgment on Sarah or anyone else ? but softens the story a bit. Peter Fonda makes a cameo as Jeremy?s terrifying preacher grandfather, and look for an equally scary Winona Ryder and Jeremy Sisto. Marilyn Manson makes an appearance as one of the nicer boyfriends from whom Jeremy seeks taboo solace. Implied sexual and physical abuse, and lots of drug use.