White Lies

In the charming and humorous film 'White Lies', the story revolves around a museum worker named Leon Turner, portrayed by Lawrence Gilliard Jr., who finds himself caught in a web of deception when he pretends to be an accomplished artist. In a desperate bid to impress women, Leon crafts a false persona, leading to unexpected consequences that stir both his professional and romantic life. His fabrications take an intriguing turn when an alluring assistant director of a trendy SoHo art gallery, played by Julie Warner as Mimi Furst, overhears one of his tall tales and, captivated by his supposed artistic talent, offers to showcase his work in an exhibition. This tantalizing opportunity pushes Leon deeper into his web of lies as he grapples with the dichotomy between his real self and the fabricated artist identity he has created.

As the story unfolds, Leon's double life becomes increasingly complicated. While enjoying the high of his newfound status in the art world, Leon also begins to develop genuine feelings for Mimi. However, their budding romance is fraught with tension, especially as Mimi's fiancé, a critical art reviewer, grows increasingly suspicious of Leon's true identity and intentions. The film expertly explores themes of authenticity, love, and jealousy, all while keeping the audience engaged with sharp dialogue and a lighthearted tone. Leon's struggles become not just about maintaining his artistic charade, but also about protecting his heart as he navigates the challenges posed by his duplicitous lifestyle.

'White Lies' ultimately serves as a witty commentary on the lengths to which individuals will go to impress others, highlighting the often absurd nature of love and the art world. As Leon's deception spirals out of control, viewers are treated to a mix of comedy, romance, and tension, illustrating the delicate balance between ambition and honesty. This film brings together an ensemble of richly drawn characters who add depth to Leon's journey, making 'White Lies' a captivating exploration of the human experience in the context of art and love.

Main Cast of White Lies

Julie Warner delivered a compelling performance as Mimi Furst in the 1997 film "White Lies," a dramatic tale that explores the complexities of race, identity, and deception. Warner's portrayal of Mimi, a young woman who passes as white despite her biracial heritage, captures the internal conflict and emotional turmoil of a character caught between two worlds. Her performance is nuanced, showcasing Mimi's vulnerability as she navigates the intricate web of relationships with her African American husband, her white lover, and her family, all while grappling with her own sense of self. Warner's ability to convey the painful consequences of Mimi's white lies and the eventual unraveling of her carefully constructed façade adds depth to the film's exploration of racial identity and the pressures of societal expectations. Her performance is a standout element of the film, offering a poignant look at the human cost of living a lie in a society where racial truth can be a matter of survival.

Lawrence Gilliard Jr. delivers a compelling performance as Leon Turner, also known as Leon Chame, in the movie "White Lies." His portrayal of a former Black Panther who has reinvented himself as a community leader in a gentrifying Chicago neighborhood showcases his range as an actor. Gilliard imbues Leon with a charismatic intensity, adeptly conveying the character's complex layers of idealism, ambition, and the weight of a tumultuous past. His interactions with the other characters, particularly his romantic entanglement with a white journalist played by Emily Mortimer, are fraught with a palpable tension that speaks to the film's themes of race, identity, and the politics of perception. Gilliard's performance is a standout, as he navigates the intricate narrative with a balance of gravitas and vulnerability, ensuring that Leon's journey is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

Terry Kinney's portrayal of Richard Marx in the movie "White Lies" offers a nuanced and compelling performance that delves into the complexities of a man grappling with his identity and the societal expectations of the turbulent 1960s. Kinney embodies Marx with a subtle intensity, capturing the internal struggle of a character who is both a product of his time and a rebel against it. His interactions with the other characters, particularly those of different racial backgrounds, highlight the tension and hypocrisy of the era's racial dynamics. Kinney's Marx is a man caught between the overt and covert worlds of white privilege, and his performance is a study in quiet desperation and moral ambiguity. With a measured approach, Kinney reveals the layers of Marx's character, allowing the audience to witness his transformation from a seemingly complacent individual to someone who confronts the uncomfortable truths of his life. Terry Kinney's understated yet powerful acting choices make Richard Marx a character that resonates with the viewer, long after the credits roll.

In the movie "White Lies" (1997), Rosanna Arquette delivers a compelling performance as the Junkie Artist, a character whose life is a turbulent mix of creativity and addiction. Arquette's portrayal is raw and authentic, capturing the essence of an artist whose talent is overshadowed by her struggles with substance abuse. She embodies the character with a delicate balance of vulnerability and defiance, showcasing the internal battle between the desire to create and the compulsion to escape reality through drugs. Arquette's performance is not just about the addiction; it's also about the search for identity and the hope for redemption, making her rendition of the Junkie Artist both heartbreaking and captivating. Her ability to convey the complex layers of emotion and the erratic behavior of someone caught in the throes of addiction adds a poignant depth to the film, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

In the poignant film "White Lies," Harvey Fierstein delivers a compelling performance as Art Hoarder, a character whose life is steeped in secrets and regret. With his distinctive gravelly voice and empathetic presence, Fierstein breathes life into Art, a man who is confronted by his estranged daughter, portrayed by Emily Mortimer. Art's cluttered home, filled with memorabilia and hoarded items, serves as a physical manifestation of his emotional barriers. Through Fierstein's portrayal, we see a man who has been crippled by the lies he has told and the truths he has withheld, particularly regarding his daughter's upbringing and the loss of her mother. The actor's nuanced performance captures the heartache and complexity of Art's character, as he navigates the delicate process of reconciliation and the unburying of past traumas. Fierstein's Art is a man who is at once stubborn and vulnerable, and the audience is drawn into his struggle for redemption and the hope for forgiveness that might finally set him free from the burden of his white lies.

Daryl Mitchell delivers a nuanced performance as Mark in the film "White Lies," a character that serves as the moral compass and voice of reason amidst the complex web of race, privilege, and identity. Mitchell brings a grounded authenticity to the role, infusing Mark with a warm yet assertive presence that commands attention. His portrayal is highlighted by a keen ability to convey deep-seated emotions with subtlety, often through meaningful glances and thoughtful dialogue delivery. Mark's friendship with the protagonist, played by Gina Torres, is a cornerstone of the narrative, and Mitchell's chemistry with Torres is palpable, lending their interactions a resonant depth. His performance is a testament to his range as an actor, seamlessly transitioning from moments of levity to those requiring intense emotional gravitas. Mitchell's Mark is not just a supporting character; he is a pivotal figure whose insights and actions resonate with the audience, challenging them to reflect on the themes of the film long after the credits roll.

Secondary Cast of White Lies

Angela Hall

Clooey

Carolyn Baeumler

Punk Girl

Nurith Cohn

Blythe

Gabriella Lamiel

Bridget

Jill Tasker

Balzac Woman #1

Shirley Hedden

Balzac Woman #2

Fia Porter

Basquiat Woman

Olga Bagnasco

Woman at Museum

Kevin O'Keefe

Man at Museum

Manny Correia

Cab Driver

Willi Burke

Uptown Woman

Thomas Barbour

Older Man at Mimi's Opening

Amber Kain

Girl #1 at Dante's

Christina Belton

Girl #2 at Dante's

Randy Frazier

Bartender at Dante's

Alvaleta Guess

Woman #3 in Window

Pauline E. Meyer

Little Girl

Mr. Voo & Sherlock Holmes

Dex

Dory Binyon

Girl (uncredited)

Crew of White Lies