The Hoax

Based on a true story, The Hoax follows a struggling writer (Richard Gere’s Clifford Irving) as he convinces his publishers that he’s been commissioned by Howard Hughes to write his official autobiography – though, of course, Clifford has actually never met the reclusive billionaire. Director Lasse Hallström, working from William Wheeler’s screenplay, has infused The Hoax with a breezy, light-hearted sensibility that proves impossible to resist, and there’s little doubt that Gere’s surprisingly loose performance plays a substantial role in cementing this vibe. The actor ably steps into the shoes of a character that’s simultaneously charming and sleazy, while there’s certainly no denying the effectiveness of the uniformly strong supporting cast (Alfred Molina, as Clifford’s long-suffering friend, is an obvious standout). It’s only as Hallström starts to place the emphasis on the personal problems of the various characters (eg Clifford’s crumbling relationship with his wife) that the film starts to lose its momentum, with the egregiously predictable (and melodramatic) third act only exacerbating this feeling – yet it’s clear, ultimately, that The Hoax generally marks a refreshing change of pace from Hallstrom’s almost oppressively sentimental modus operandi as of late.

**1/2 out of ****