The Hoax
The Hoax is a 2007 film starring
Richard Gere as
Clifford Irving, a man who faked an autobiography of
Howard Hughes.
Synopsis
The plot follows the character of Clifford Irving, an author whose most recent book proposal has been rejected by his publishing house. Down on his luck, Irving storms into his publisher's office and proclaims that he has the book of the century. Irving's book is a fake autobiography of billionaire Howard Hughes, which Irving convinces his publishers is real. The publishers consent to pay Irving $500,000 for the book. All appears to be going according to plan for Irving until Hughes announces on air that the autobiography is in fact a hoax. Irving ends up spending a short sentence in jail for his fraudulent activities.
Box Office Reception
Commercially, the film grossed $7,164,995 domestically and $4,607,466 at the foreign box office.
Critic Quotes
""The Hoax" gestures beyond the particulars of its case toward a pervasive social unease, a sense of ambient danger and disorder that has no clear source or antidote."—A.O.Scott, New York Times
"Naturally, when "The Hoax" devolves into a moral, cautionary tale, it becomes a lot less fun. You long for moments like the one, early in the picture, in which the discreetly pompous Life editor Graves gives Irving a tour of the magazine's offices."—Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com
"Sharply written by William Wheeler and gracefully directed by Lasse Hallström, "The Hoax" is a serious and amusing black farce that does without obvious heroes or villains,"—Kenneth Turn, Los Angeles Times
Fast Facts:
- Release date: April 6th, 2006
- Directed by Lasse Hallström
- Budget: Estimated $50 million
- Rated: R
- Run time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Tagline: "Never let the truth get in the way of a good story"
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