In order to pull off the biggest deception of the decade, Gere must impersonate a man who is talented, reckless, and deluded, able to charm and manipulate even those are apparently "smarter" than him. Gere does a superb job recreating this literary illusionist, an author able to create world both on his mind, and quite effectively around him.
Throughout the film, Gere keeps the energy level high, sometimes, having his fabrications take over reality, as we are treated to passages where both reality and "his reality" blur. This device used, in a recent Oscar winner, where it symbolized paranoia, works much better here, as it helps us understand the obsession behind the ploy.
Gere has for many years, played second fiddle to other more established stars, making them look much better than they really were, and it has been a disservice to this very talented actor. In past years, he has brought fame or revived the careers of many famous Hollywood leading ladies. Sadly, we have neglected to recognize his true value. In "Hoax", he is the centerpiece, and should his acting ever falter, the entire illusion would crumble as well. Fortunately for us, he is brilliant at every move, being so good that he brings to life the object of his obsession as well. There are passages here than feel more real than anything portrayed in "The Aviator", even though we see mostly stills and a couple of brief videos of Hughes himself.
Gere once works magnificently with the rest of his supporting players, from Hope Davis to Alfred Molina, and giving his scenes with Tucci and Gay Harden more gravitas than one would expect from their very short screen time. "The Hoax" succeeds in his depiction of the travesty that involved the production of a fake book, a deal that fooled its most immediate audience and the nation.
Hopefully Gere will receive his due, escaping from the kiss of death for those who just happen to be consistently good: there will be another stellar performance along the way. Recognize the present, and the present is golden.
Throughout the film, Gere keeps the energy level high, sometimes, having his fabrications take over reality, as we are treated to passages where both reality and "his reality" blur. This device used, in a recent Oscar winner, where it symbolized paranoia, works much better here, as it helps us understand the obsession behind the ploy.
Gere has for many years, played second fiddle to other more established stars, making them look much better than they really were, and it has been a disservice to this very talented actor. In past years, he has brought fame or revived the careers of many famous Hollywood leading ladies. Sadly, we have neglected to recognize his true value. In "Hoax", he is the centerpiece, and should his acting ever falter, the entire illusion would crumble as well. Fortunately for us, he is brilliant at every move, being so good that he brings to life the object of his obsession as well. There are passages here than feel more real than anything portrayed in "The Aviator", even though we see mostly stills and a couple of brief videos of Hughes himself.
Gere once works magnificently with the rest of his supporting players, from Hope Davis to Alfred Molina, and giving his scenes with Tucci and Gay Harden more gravitas than one would expect from their very short screen time. "The Hoax" succeeds in his depiction of the travesty that involved the production of a fake book, a deal that fooled its most immediate audience and the nation.
Hopefully Gere will receive his due, escaping from the kiss of death for those who just happen to be consistently good: there will be another stellar performance along the way. Recognize the present, and the present is golden.