The Hoax

Based on a true story daffier than what any screenwriter could concoct, The Hoax colorfully dramatizes one of recent history's most amazing flimflams. Richard Gere plays minor-league author Clifford Irving, who becomes seriously creative in 1971 when his latest book is turned down. Strapped for cash and desperate to achieve success, Irving pretends to be representing reclusive millionaire Howard Hughes (who supposedly wants to write an autobiography), thereby landing a sizable advance from the enthusiastic publisher. Irving enlists the aid of friend and fellow writer Dick Susskind (Alfred Molina, in a brilliant portrayal that comes perilously close to undercutting Gere's), who reluctantly agrees to participate in the deceptive venture. Director Lasse Hallström sets up the basic situation cleverly, although the film loses its way a bit in the third act, both by introducing the notion that Irving—an irrepressible fabulist and facile liar—might be imagining some of the events we see onscreen, and with some unnecessary melodrama involving an oft-voiced conspiracy theory concerning Hughes' deteriorating relationship with then-President Nixon and its effect on the decision to burglarize the Watergate hotel. But for the most part, The Hoax is an enjoyable film that boasts exceptionally fine supporting performances from Hope Davis, Marcia Gay Harden, Stanley Tucci, and Eli Wallach. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include two audio commentaries (one by director Lasse Hallström and writer William Wheeler; the other by producers Leslie Holleran and Joshua D. Maurer), six deleted scenes with optional commentary by Hallström and Wheeler (13 min.), a nine-minute “Stranger Than Fiction” making-of featurette, a six-minute “Business As Pleasure” extended scene, “Mike Wallace: Reflections on a Con” on the real-life hoax (4 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a winning film.] (E. Hulse)[Blu-ray Review—May 7, 2013—Echo Bridge, 116 min., R, $14.99—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 2006's The Hoax features a fine transfer and a DTS-HD 5.1 soundtrack. Extras include audio commentary by director Lasse Hallström, outtakes and unused clips (19 min.), deleted scenes with optional commentary (14 min.), and a “Stranger Than Fiction” segment on the real-life inspiration for the film (9 min.). Bottom line: a fine Blu-ray debut for an entertaining film loosely based on a true story.]