Hoax (The)

Genre: comedy drama

With: Richard Gere (Clifford Irving), Alfred Molina (Dick Suskind), Marcia Gay Harden (Edith, Irving’s wife), Julie Delpy (Nina Van Pallandt), Hope Davis (Andrea Tate), David Aaron Baker (Brad Silber), Eli Wallach (Noah Dietrich), Stanley Tucci (Shelton Fisher), Zeljko Ivanek (Ralph Graves), Milton Buras (Howard Hughes)

Director: Lasse Hallström

Release: 2007

Studio: The Mark Gordon Company, City Entertainment, Yari Film Group, Bob Yari Productions, Miramax Films

Rating: R

MBiS score: 8.1/10

The Bigger The Fish, The Shinier The Bait

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Story-line: in 1971, a moderately successful writer named Clifford Irving approaches McGraw Hill with a sensational book project: he’s been chosen by Howard Hughes, the reclusive billionaire, to write his memoirs. A bestseller for sure!

Pluses: Richard Gere in fine form as a fast-talking hustler, Alfred Molina’s priceless support as his partner in crime, an outstanding cast, intelligent use of period film clips and music, an entertaining screenplay by Bill Wheeler (adapted from Clifford Irving’s book), solid direction and a superbly ironic ending.

Minuses: the story-line is a bit confusing when it deals with the political aspects of Irving’s claims and discoveries.  

Comments: a witty, mean-spirited and rollicking movie like Hollywood should make more often. Kudos to the whole gang for two hours of fabulously fraudulent fun!  

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