Helmed by Misha Manson-Smith and penned by Marc Wootton alongside Manson-Smith, The Art of the Lie features musical contributions from John Grant.
The Pitch
Longtime creative partners Marc Wootton and Misha Manson-Smith have joined forces with musician John Grant for The Art of the Lie. This challenging and chaotically styled new short film merges fictional elements with reality to investigate the ideas central to Grant’s album of the same name. Employing Wootton and Manson-Smith’s distinctive ‘gonzo’ filming technique and incorporating Grant’s newer, funk-influenced tracks, the piece satirizes the self-importance often found in filmmakers and musicians. It also explores the notion that perhaps greater happiness and success can be achieved through self-deception and misleading others.
The film’s score draws directly from Grant’s recent album, The Art of the Lie (available via [PIAS] Recordings), grounding the cinematic project in its musical origins and Grant’s conceptual framework for the record. Grant is currently performing across North America, with a notable show set for this Saturday, April 12th, at The Roulette Intermedium in New York.
Film Summary
Brendan Allen represents perhaps the archetype of the inept documentary maker—deluded, narcissistic, and ethically flexible. Given the opportunity to create a rockumentary focused on John Grant’s latest album launch, Allen squanders the chance and is removed from the project. Unwilling to concede, he resorts to increasingly extreme actions to complete the film according to his vision. These tactics range from hiring impersonators to stand in for Grant to ultimately attempting to become the musician himself.
The Film
Project Genesis
The collaboration traces back to when Grant composed an original score for the television series Gooseberry (involving Marc, Misha, and producer Sacha Baron Cohen for Comedy Central). After that show’s production halted due to the pandemic, Grant, Wootton, and Manson-Smith sought a different collaborative avenue. Grant’s new album, The Art Of The Lie, presented an ideal opportunity. Convinced to allow Wootton and Manson-Smith creative freedom with his public image, the initial concept for a music video (“It’s A Bitch”) expanded into a larger satirical short. This piece weaves together fact and fiction, telling the extravagant story of a director whose desperate need for validation drives him to eventually assume the identity of his subject, John Grant.
About John Grant and His Album
John Grant is a celebrated singer-songwriter noted for his boundary-pushing music that incorporates folk, synth-pop, and art-rock influences. His new album, The Art of the Lie, examines themes of authenticity, falsehood, and self-perception, making it a natural complement to the film. With his characteristic blend of rich melodies, acerbic wit, and stark emotional honesty, Grant continues to innovate, cementing his reputation as a unique voice in modern music. Tracks from this album form the film’s sonic underpinning, further dissolving the separation between the narrative and its inspiration. MOJO Magazine ranked the album #11 of 2024, praising it as opulent and cinematic, with dark lyrical themes counterbalanced by bold production from Ivor Guest.
About the Creators
Marc Wootton (Writer/Star) and Misha Manson-Smith (Writer/Director) are the key figures behind the film. Manson-Smith is a BAFTA-nominated director active in UK/US film, TV, and commercials, known for versatility across drama and comedy. Wootton is an acclaimed comedian, writer, and performer recognized for improvisation and character work. Their joint portfolio includes distinctive comedy series like Channel 4’s My New Best Friend, BBC’s High Spirits With Shirley Ghostman, and Showtime’s La La Land. The Art of the Lie extends their method, featuring a protagonist who manipulates reality to serve his own ends.
Production Partner: Common People Films
The Art of the Lie was produced by Common People Films, a production studio focused on talent and operating where entertainment meets advertising. They specialize in creating impactful, culturally relevant content for various clients, utilizing stills, live action, film, TV, and AI. Their approach combines strategic insight with creative production. Their work on The Art of the Lie reflects their commitment to supporting original projects that challenge creative norms and advance storytelling.
Artist Management: Show Pony
Grant’s career is managed by Show Pony, a boutique firm specializing in guiding visionary artists. Led by industry expert Fiona McAuley, Show Pony emphasizes a personalized approach, ensuring artists maintain creative integrity and achieve long-term career viability. Through Show Pony, Grant has ventured into collaborative projects beyond music, including film, literature, and performance. Their participation in The Art of the Lie highlights their dedication to fostering ambitious, cross-media works that engage audiences in new ways.
John Grant North American Tour Stops
April 9 – Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre, Boston, MA
April 11 – The Barns @ Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA
April 12 – Roulette Intermedium, New York, NY
We previously covered John Grant in 2013, when we looked at his Black Belt remix.
