The Hoax (2007)
The Hoax(2007) 6/10
The Hoax is a retelling of the audacious real life hoax by author Clifford Irving when he wrote his supposedly “authentic” biography of eccentric billionaire recluse Howard Hughes. Irving is played by Richard Gere, who turns in a solid performance as a man so taken in by his elaborate schemes that even he himself begins to believe his myth. Channeling the persona of Hughes, Richard Gere’s character slowly begins to imitate Hughes’ mannerisms. With a good supporting cast including Alfred Molina as Gere’s partner in crime, the Hoax is a solid tale about an audacious Hoax. Unfortunately, the film is undone by the fact that the premise isn’t really that interesting to begin with. It has neither the airy fun of Catch Me If You Can, nor the brilliant characterization of Shattered Glass and the Hoax pales in comparison these similarly themed films. Likewise, some of the supporting characters, notably Julie Delphy (an excellent actress) are marginalized and given bit roles that fail to showcase their talents. In all, The Hoax is an above average film that falls shy of being good.
