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The Wizard of Lies
2017 133 min United States of America R 18+
★6.9
Crime, Drama, TV Movie
Director: Barry Levinson
Trailers
EN
EN
Teaser
Teaser
Description
A look behind the scenes at Bernie Madoff's massive Ponzi scheme, how it was perpetrated on the public and the trail of destruction it left in its wake, both for the victims and Madoff's family.
Starring
Robert De Niro
Actor
Michelle Pfeiffer
Actor
Alessandro Nivola
Actor
Awards
Emmy Awards 2017
— Best TV Film
Emmy Awards 2017
— Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2018
— Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie
Golden Globe 2018
— Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie
Emmy Awards 2017
— Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie
Golden Globe 2018
— Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Movie
Key opinion
The Wizard of Lies is a somber, documentary-style biographical drama that focuses on the emotional destruction of the Madoff family rather than the mechanics of the financial fraud. While the film is praised for its factual integrity and strong lead performances, it is often criticized for a clinical, emotionally detached tone and a slow-moving narrative.
| Acting | Michelle Pfeiffer delivers a brilliant, emotionally resonant performance that stands out as the film's strongest element. | |
| Direction | The director utilizes a pseudo-documentary approach, incorporating real footage and a non-linear structure to emphasize the human cost of the scandal. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is praised for its commitment to facts and avoidance of technical jargon, but criticized by some for being dry and lacking narrative intrigue. | |
| Acting | Robert De Niro’s performance is polarized: some view his portrayal of Madoff as a masterful depiction of a hollow, soulless man, while others find it monotonous and emotionally flat. | |
| Pacing | The film’s two-hour-plus runtime is a point of contention, with some finding it a rewarding, contemplative experience and others finding it sluggish and exhausting. |