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| Movie Review: The Hoax Alternate Title: Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire
Story: There's nothing like
a real life hoax when it translates well into a movie. Director Lasse
Hallström is back in form with an entertaining romp 'based
on the true story' of Clifford Irving's fake
autobiography about Howard Hughes back in1971-72.
It rocked the publishing world and made sensational headlines for months.
At the time, the
American public had a fascination with the reclusive Howard Hughes and
could not get enough information about this very strange billionaire.
Clifford Irving took advantage of that hunger and convinced McGraw-Hill
that he had been contacted by Hughes to write his autobiography. How he faked his way through this ordeal and
managed to wrangle a $1,000,000 advance is fun to watch. The screenplay
is by William Wheeler, based on the novel, 'Hoax,'
written by Clifford Irving himself, published after he got out of prison.
The film is breezy, funny and mostly fast paced.
The last 20 minutes are very convoluted and the film almost loses its
way. However, if you are old enough like me to remember this farce and
if you can forgive a few gaffs and missteps you will enjoy this trip
down memory lane. Acting: Richard Gere, who is definitely not on my
favorites list, was perfect in this role. He captured the devilish Irving
beautifully. Alfred Molina, as his sidekick and researcher
is coming into his own as an undiscovered actor and was fun to watch.
Marcia Gay Harden, with a thick German-Swiss accent
as Irving's wife was a bit weird to watch. Hope Davis
and Stanley Tucci are always good. Julie Delpy,
as Nina Van Pallandt, Irving's mistress was wasted in this role. In
a strange life/art twist, it turns out that the real Nina Van Pallandt
played a role in Richard Gere's film, American Gigolo, way back when. Predilection: I remember the hoax well. At least
I thought I did but had an eye-popping moment during the final 20 minutes
of the film when it was revealed that there was an Nixon-Nixon's brother,
Donald-Howard Hughes-Bebe Rebozo connection that may have been one of
the reasons for the watergate break-in. The thugs were after an advance
copy of Irving's book to see if some of Nixon's money laundering went
through Hughes. Turns out the White House never denied those rumors.
Critters: none
Food: There were several kitchen scenes but mostly
they featured coffee, One scene takes place in the Cafe des Artistes
and there is much ado over caviar.
Blatant Product Placement: Coca Cola
Soundtrack: Many fine hits of the 70's were steaming
through my head.
Opening Titles: Black background with a simple typewriter
font.
Visual Art: Edith Irving was a painter so many of
her not so fine pictures were featured.
Theater Audience: About 30 other hoax-sters and one
snoring man.
Weather: The weather seemed to be always bright and
sunny in 1971 and 1972
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: I did not drift at all but did some
head scratching when the movie steered off course towards the end.
Predictability Level: High - if you know the story.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen is the ay to go
for this one. I like director Lasse Hallström. Here
are some of his other films for you to rent: Casanova, An Unfinished
Life, The Shipping News, Chocolat, The Cider House Rules and What's
Eating Gilbert Grape
Length: Just under the two hour Lobo rule.
LOBO HOWLS: 7
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