The Hoax Details

[Highly rated reviewer]

Who says crime doesn't pay?

Stories about Howard Hughes abound, in many different formats. Anyone who's seen 'The Aviator' will at least have some understanding of how eccentric and mentally unstable this man was. Well 'The Hoax' paints a very similar, though ultimately much more believable picture of this man, through the looking glass of one man's interaction (or should that be 'non' interaction) with the multi millionaire.

Clifford Irving (Richard Gere) is a writer trying to get his latest book published. But when it all goes into the air once again he promises to his publishers that he will write 'the book of the century'. Unfortunately he has no idea what to write about. After much discussion with his friend Dick Suskind (Alfred Molina) he realises what the one subject is that will stand up to that claim: Howard Hughes' official autobiography. The one problem? He's never met the man or even talked to him.

There's much to enjoy in this film, not least of all is the escalating lies and deceit Irving needs to resort to in order to continue the scam. It's not laugh out loud comedy but is very compelling viewing as you wonder how anyone could be so daring. Alongside this is the fantastic performances, particularly from Gere and Molina, which really give a weight and sense of realism to what would otherwise be a difficult story to accept. And as this is based on a true story that's only for the best. And although the ending may be inevitable make sure you stick with it as there are some neat turns in store.

If you have no interest in Howard Hughes, the Nixon era or 'true stories' than this one is probably best missed, as its extended length (a good 2 hours) and the lack of any huge twists may put you off. But if you like your drama dry, fact filled (sort of) and played by a convincing cast then this is definitely worth a watch.

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[Highly rated reviewer]

True tale of a deception, desperation and greed.

When a failing career in bookwriting stalls his attempts at earning big money, Clifford Irving (played by Gere) conjurs (with the accent on 'con') up a plot to write a book no publisher would be able to refuse.

The media clamour and interest at the time in the USA was for any stories of American greatness or success (after all who wanted to hear more about the mistake that was Viet Nam), one book that was guaranteed to sell was the Biography of the ultra reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes.

Basically, being such a weird recluse, Irving and his partly willing sidekick, gambled that he could basically research a little, then practically make up the rest without fear of contradiction, as he would expect Hughes not to come out in public at all to corroberate or more importantly deny the 'facts' in the book.

Though not a subject most British would have a major interest in, and at almost 2 hours it is a slight slog, it still makes a very intriguing and well made tale of deception on a grand scale, and the eventual repercusions had a hand in the Watergate saga ending the presidency of Nixon..

Long, but definately worth a watch.