Tagline: The true story of a real fake
Another movie from my most favorite director! After dropping out of Big Fish and Memoirs of a Geisha, Spielberg (initially involved as a producer) decided to direct this movie, a true story of Frank Abagnale Jr. Filming took place from February to May 2002 and released in December 2002.
The film begins in 1969, with FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) arriving at a French prison to meet the sick Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio). The movie then started from Frank as 16 years old, who lives happily with the family.
But after some financial and personal issues within the family, Frank’s parents are decided to split. Frank cannot tolerate this and he leaves home only with the checkbook, which was given as a birthday gift from his father. Slowly he starts to do check forgery and enjoy the life.
And later he successfully conned millions of dollars by posing as a Pan American World Airways pilot, a Georgia doctor and Louisiana attorney and parish prosecutor. During these whole things happen, Carl on a run to catch Frank.It is very hard to believe to everyone, all these stuff done before his 19th birthday. And finally, since his primary crime was check forgery, becoming so skillful that the FBI eventually turned to him for help in catching other check forgers.
It was really surprising Leonardo acted as a 16 years old, because we all know his age. During the filming, his age was almost double what he portrays in movie. But he toned his body very well and make us believe he is really a 16 years old kid. And no need to tell about such a great actor Tom Hanks, he shows the disappointment in his eyes whenever he miss Frank.Absolutely wonderful movie to watch two great performances!
‘Real’ Frank Abagnale’s reaction to the film: “I know that Hollywood has made a number of changes to the story, but I am honored that Steven Spielberg, Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks participated in the making of the movie inspired by my life. It is important to understand that it is just a movie, not a biographical documentary”
This is another one that is in my list of favorites.