The Hoax details
| Format: | 15 DVD |
|---|---|
| Starring: | Julie Delpy, Stuart Margolin, Stanley Tucci, Marcia Gay Harden, Michael J. Burg, Alfred Molina, Richard Gere, Eli Wallach, Hope Davis, Stuart Margolin / |
| Director: | Lasse Hallstrom |
| Genres: | Comedy, Drama |
| Studio: | MOMENTUM PICTURES |
| Name | Discs | |
|---|---|---|
The Hoax |
15 Feature |
DVD Information
| Run time: | 1 hour 51 minutes |
|---|---|
| Rental release: | 28 Jan 2008 |
| Main languages: | English |
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LOVEFiLM Review
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By Tom Charity from LOVEFiLMRichard Gere plays 1970's writer Clifford Irving who sold a fake manuscript to a publisher, claiming it was Howard Hughes biography.
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Most helpful review
Who says crime doesn't pay?
By Vivacia (28 reviews) from London , 11 Jan 2008[Highly rated reviewer]
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.- Was this review helpful to you?
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All reviews
(60)Gere - naked...with ambition.
By Nitaray (222 reviews) from Farnham , 12 Jul 2011This story, based on fact, is so extraordinary that it deserves 5 stars in itself. You couldn't make it up, as the saying goes. But someone did make it up. And that man was Clifford Irving, who pulled off this hoax of the century.
Never underestimate the desperate lengths a human being will got to when faced with the ultimate choice - more money than one could dream of, plus fame and adulation, or humiliating failure.
Richard Gere is a real surpise in the role of Clifford irving, a man with a consuming desire to write a book that would change his life. Forget all the Richard Geres we either love or loathe. This is a piece of acting he can be proud of in his old age. And, as always, Alfred Molina is totally believable, this time as Irving's friend and sidekick.
I suppose it would help if you knew about Howard Hughes and the Nixon/Watergate scandal.And if you know how difficult it is for hack journalists to make it big as novelists.
But the film, beautifully directed by Lasse Hallstrom, tells the story in such a way that it probably wouldn't spoil the enjoyment for anyone who had never heard of any of them.
Never a fan of Richard Gere, I take it all back. He really can act.- Was this review helpful to you?
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No hoax this, it's the real deal
By a customer from West London, England. , 05 Mar 2011Another excellent performance from Gear, a seriously underated actor in my view.
Ably supported by Alfred Molina, another actor who doesn't always get the plaudits he deserves.
Well worth a couple of hours of anyone's time.- Was this review helpful to you?
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The Hoax (2007)
By a customer from London, England , 14 Sep 2010Not much happens in this film. Richard Gere isn't convincing at all. Alfred Molina, who plays the friend of Richard Gere's character, is brilliant. It is 2 hours long, and there were bits in the film that didn't make sense, and could have easily been edited out. If it had been shorter, and a bit more 'punchier', it had the makings of a great film. I wouldn't recommend this film.- Was this review helpful to you?
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The Hoax
By grrenfingers (136 reviews) from New Milton , 08 Jun 2010Richard Gere at his very best.It was great to see him play a real character,instead of just the wishy washy love interest.His portrayal of this accidental conman was great.- Was this review helpful to you?
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Better than expected
By MoC (15 reviews) from Belfast , 08 May 2010This movie starts very slowly and you may want to give up after 10 - 15 minutes, don't. The story forms into quite a thriller. You may know the outcome and you may not but the story and portrayal of the characters are very enjoyable. Top marks as usual go to Alfred Molina. Gere is just Gere. (someone should tell him to stop making that ineffectual grimace as his reaction to everything). Enjoy it for what it is - a good yarn based on the truth!!- Was this review helpful to you?
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