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F for Fake
Overlook Pick

F for Fake

A magician is just an actor playing the part of a magician.
74
User Score364 ratings
TMDB 7.416+19731h 29mFrench
Documentary

Synopsis

Documents the lives of infamous fakers Elmyr de Hory and Clifford Irving. De Hory, who later committed suicide to avoid more prison time, made his name by selling forged works of art by painters like Picasso and Matisse. Irving was infamous for writing a fake autobiography of Howard Hughes. Welles moves between documentary and fiction as he examines the fundamental elements of fraud and the people who commit fraud at the expense of others.

Director
Orson WellesFrom TMDB credits
Studio
SACI3 production companies
Release
September 1, 1973Released
Box Office

Top Cast

8 of 23
Orson Welles
Orson Welles
Self
Oja Kodar
The Girl
Elmyr de Hory
Self
Clifford Irving
Clifford Irving
Self
Laurence Harvey
Laurence Harvey
Self
Edith Irving
Self
David Walsh
Self
Paul Stewart
Paul Stewart
Self

Trailers & Photos

Reviews

From TMDB users
C_Hickcock
Oct 24, 2025

This movie is a masterpiece -- it is equal parts an insightful essay, a magic trick and a prank. Welles considered it a new type of film -- its subject matter explores what is a forgery/counterfeit vs. what is authentic and the film wrestles with its subject by blurring those lines in a way that is both entertaining and fun. It's a masterclass in editing and a must for any student of filmmaking.

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