Based on actual events, The Hoax tells the incredible true story behind one of the most daring cons of the late 20th century. After the rejection of his latest novel Clifford Irving comes up with an audacious scheme to write and sell a fake “autobiography” of the eccentric and reclusive billionaire industrialist Howard Hughes. Starring Richard Gere, Alfred Molina, and Hope Davis, the cast is fairly strong and delivers some impressive performances. Additionally, the film does a good job at showing how Irving’s obsession with Hughes causes him to take on some of Hughes’ paranoia and manipulative tendencies. There are also some interesting hints that Irving was just one piece in a larger game being played between Hughes and President Nixon. Extraordinarily compelling, The Hoax is a fascinating character study that provides a unique look at the cultural zeitgeist of the 1970s.