True Lies is one of those movies that certainly exists within the public consciousness, but not in the way it deserves. Generally speaking, it’s remembered as either “the Schwarzenegger spy movie“, or “the one where Jamie Lee Curtis dances”. Though both of those summaries are technically accurate, True Lies‘ legacy deserves to be much, much more than either of them.
The film follows Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a family man with a secret. Despite posing as an average businessman, Harry is actually a spy who keeps the nature of his work from his family. While on the hunt for a ring of international terrorists, Harry begins to suspect his marriage is in trouble. This sees his wife Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis) and daughter Dana (Eliza Dushku) dragged into the terrorists’ plot as his two lives collide.
On the surface, it’s a fairly straightforward plot. However, it’s in the details that the film really comes to life, as there’s a subtle hint of satire that runs throughout the entire film. Simply put, True Lies doesn’t take itself seriously, and that allows it to be much more than it appears.
True Lies Takes Action Comedy To Unexpected Depths
We recently talked about how one ridiculous scene ruined the Schwarzenegger movie, but that’s not the whole story. An ill-conceived moment in the third act hurts True Lies‘ satire, but it doesn’t negate it. The majority of the film executes it perfectly, largely down to the talents of its two stars.
Schwarzenegger’s hyper-macho persona works brilliantly against Curtis’ comedic cynicism. Though Arnie might have received top billing, it’s undeniably the leading lady who’s the star. Without Curtis, True Lies‘ satire falls apart entirely, as her realism is the film’s only grounding factor. Harry’s toxic and overbearing misuse of resources to soothe his own insecurity is met with the solid foundation laid by Curtis’ performance, allowing the entrenched comedy to gain purchase.
The action thriller part of True Lies‘ plot isn’t what works. In fact, it’s a film that simply thrives on the chemistry of its stars, with the story taking something of a back seat. Again, this works perfectly in its favor, as it is, ultimately, a love story. James Cameron’s 1994 efforts were precisely spot on, and True Lies thoroughly deserves its place in our Hall of Fame.
Rating: 80%
Summary: True Lies is ’90s action extravagance done with a wink, bolstered by two of the decade’s most capable stars.
Highlight: The scene in which Helen’s arrest prompts the release of her vicious streak is powerful on multiple levels. It highlights Curtis’ knack for conveying several emotions at once, all while in an utterly ridiculous situation.