F for Fake(1973)
PG
09/01/1973 (US)Documentary1h 29m7.4
"A magician is just an actor playing the part of a magician."
Overview
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.
Orson Welles
Director
Orson Welles
Writer
Top Billed Cast
Where to Watch
Stream
Rent
Buy
Powered by JustWatch
Popularity Trend
Last 30 Days
This chart shows the popularity trend over the past 30 days.
Media
F For Fake ≣ 1973 ≣ Trailer
Trailer
Peter Bogdanovich on F for Fake
Featurette
Social
C
A review by C_Hickcock
10.0
Written on October 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.
