The Wizard of Lies

This is a fairly classic recent biopic. It has a good historical basis about an interesting person, but the events are presented in a sort of classical dramatic way, which is to be expected. Once again, it's the actors who save this biopic. Robert De Niro never disappoints me, Michelle Pfeiffer does what she's supposed to, and there are some good scenes here and there - Mark's madness, for example. (28.09.2017)

Robert De Niro is still amazing and no matter how mediocre this movie could be, he would still make you feel like the two plus hours were worth watching. It’s basically a mellowed down version of The Wolf of the Wall Street. A story about a financier who believes that he is doing everything for the good of all. Of course, especially for himself, and he doesn’t quite realize the trouble he is causing for others. But karma gets back at him manifold and that’s what it’s all about. A movie for anyone who wants to make some good money and has heard the term “pyramid scheme”. (22.11.2017)

People who don’t have HBO are missing out. That’s also why I can’t watch Hemingway & Gellhorn. So what is The Wizard of Lies like? First of all, it’s an excellent response to Besson's The Family, because pairing De Niro with Pfeiffer simply has to happen. We may be somewhere else in terms of genre, but even an intimate drama responding to the 2008 crisis can work. De Niro is in his element, playing the big game, keeping everyone at arm's length, and building respect even from his wife. And Pfeiffer? She changed her style again, matured a bit more, had another four-year break, and came back as someone completely different. It's not just the mask and the glasses and the new haircut. Her Ruth Madoff mirrors the story of a woman who used to be free as a bird, free-spirited like Goldie Hawn's heroines, but who has nothing after years in isolation and in a golden cage. And now she faces the reputation of being Bonnie Parker (even though she was not involved in the case herself). If you're looking for good acting, then this is a very good choice. Hank Azaria and Lily Rabe in supporting roles are also noteworthy. (06.02.2019)

It's true that Levinson doesn't bring the juice and earthiness to it like his colleagues from earlier years, so this business odyssey is watchable mostly because of De Niro and his appearances (the scene when he shakes the kid at the table is divine), but the interactions between him and the rest of the characters aren't great, the behaviour of his sons is pretty much unbelievable and we never get much of a peek under the hood of this whole great conspiracy, and that’s a shame. The Big Short is much better and much more constructive, breaking down the situation in more detail. The TV movie label is a bit damaging, fans would have gone to the cinema, though it’s nothing groundbreaking. The director may be a little past his prime. (03.11.2017)