Ah, the art of deception! Document forgery has long been a staple in the world of crime cinema, offering a thrilling mix of suspense, wit, and the allure of the forbidden. These films delve into the lives of master forgers, the intricate plots they weave, and the high stakes involved. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers, heist movies, or just love a good con, this collection of films will take you on a rollercoaster ride through the shadowy world of counterfeit documents. From classic capers to modern masterpieces, here are ten films that showcase the craft of forgery in all its criminal glory.
Paper Moon (1973)
Description: This film involves a con artist and his young daughter traveling through the Depression-era Midwest, selling Bibles and engaging in various scams, including forging documents. It's a heartwarming tale of family and deceit.
Fact: The film was shot in black and white to evoke the era's atmosphere.
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The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
Description: While primarily a heist film, Thomas Crown's elaborate schemes often involve forgery and deception, making it a fitting addition to this list. It's all about the thrill of the con and the allure of the mastermind.
Fact: The film features a famous chess game scene, which was actually played by chess grandmasters.
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Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Description: While not exclusively about document forgery, this film features Frank Abagnale Jr., who famously forged checks and impersonated various professionals. It's a cat-and-mouse game between Abagnale and the FBI, showcasing the art of forgery in a broader context.
Fact: The real Frank Abagnale Jr. served as a consultant for the film, ensuring the forgery techniques were accurate.
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The Hoax (2006)
Description: Based on the true story of Clifford Irving, who forged an "autobiography" of Howard Hughes, this film explores the lengths one man will go to for fame and fortune, involving intricate document forgery.
Fact: Richard Gere plays Irving, and the film includes real-life footage of Howard Hughes.
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The Forger (2012)
Description: This film follows a young artist who becomes involved in the world of art forgery, learning from his father. It's a tale of family, crime, and the fine line between genius and deception.
Fact: The film features real-life forger Mark Landis, who plays a small role.
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The Art of the Steal (2013)
Description: This film involves a group of thieves planning to steal a priceless book, which involves forging documents and identities. It's a fun, light-hearted heist movie with a focus on the art of deception.
Fact: The film features a cameo by real-life art thief, Stéphane Breitwieser.
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The Forger (2014)
Description: This film dives into the life of a young artist who becomes entangled in the world of art forgery, learning the trade from his father, a master forger. It's a tale of family, crime, and the fine line between genius and deception.
Fact: John Travolta plays the father, and the film is loosely based on the life of real-life art forger Mark Landis.
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The Spanish Prisoner (1997)
Description: A complex con involving a process for making money, this film features a plot where the protagonist is tricked into signing over his invention's rights through forged documents. It's a masterclass in psychological manipulation.
Fact: The film was written and directed by David Mamet, known for his intricate plots.
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The Score (2001)
Description: While more of a heist film, it includes elements of forgery as part of the elaborate plan to steal a priceless scepter. It's about trust, betrayal, and the art of the con.
Fact: This was Robert De Niro and Edward Norton's first film together.
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The Counterfeiters (2007)
Description: Set during WWII, this film tells the true story of Operation Bernhard, where prisoners in a concentration camp were forced to forge British pounds and American dollars to destabilize the Allies' economies. It's a gripping tale of survival and moral dilemmas.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in
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