Real Fake

Real Fake is a fascinating, quirky documentary that provides a compelling look into the enigmatic life of one of the art world's most infamous characters, Elmyr de Hory. Known as the master of art forgery, Hory's life and exploits are expertly pieced together in this riveting picture, largely through the narratives and memories of those who had known him.

Directed by Jeff Oppenheim, Real Fake is less a traditional biography and more a thrillingly insightful exploration of the moral and ethical questions that arise when examining the line between genuine art and a well-crafted duplicity. Apart from the story of de Hory, it serves as a reflection on the broader implications for authenticity in the realm of creative expression. The film probes its viewers to question the constructs of originality, authenticity, and valuation in the art world, which often determine the destiny of artists.

The film opens in Ibiza, where Elmyr de Hory lived in exile until his suicide in 1976, after living a life filled with intrigue and deception. Here, Oppenheim takes us on a journey into Hory’s world and the people who engaged with it - from his lovers, friends, and accomplices to his detractors.

Throughout the film, it becomes clear that the infamous forger is not merely a one-dimensional villain. De Hory is revealed as an undeniably charismatic and intriguing figure, a man of considerable charm and wit who treated forgery not as a means to deceit, but as his form of artistic expression. He never sold his forgeries; instead, it was others who profit from his work by passing it off as original and authentic.

The most fascinating aspect of Real Fake is, perhaps, the multilayered narrative that Oppenheim weaves. There's a perceptible layer of irony in the storytelling – the fact that we’re learning about an art forger from those who have themselves been influenced or even swayed by his charisma, is not lost on the viewers. There’s an awareness of this irony present throughout the narrative, making the film a thought-provoking expedition into layers of truth and deception.

Throughout the narrative, Oppenheim incorporates interviews and evocative footage from different periods of de Hory's life. The use of historical footage provides depth to the narrative by furnishing context about the period during which de Hory lived and worked. These various sources create a vivid portrayal of de Hory’s life and his complex personality.

Despite the darker aspects of his character, Real Fake dives into the man behind the widespread deceit, fleshing out the many facets of de Hory's fascinating persona – his fears, his passions, and his vulnerabilities. It shows him as an artist in his own right, one who created not out of malicious intent, but because of his love for art itself.

Complemented by incisive storytelling, the film ranks high among documentaries that explore intriguing personalities and takes it a step further by exploring the complexities of the art world in a captivating manner. Real Fake shines a bright light on the paradoxical nature of art forgery – the duality of being an art master and a purveyor of deceit – and leaves one wondering about the value of authenticity and the essence of art.

In its essence, besides being a tale of one man's life, Real Fake is equally contemplative of deeper issues within the society and culture of the art world. It serves as a provocative discourse on the concept of authenticity and poses pertinent questions about value, belief, and the spaces between truth and falsehood.

It’s not a conventional biography, but through Oppenheim's keen lens, it becomes a portal into the intriguing world of art fraud and raises queries that linger, long after the film ends. Real Fake presents an engrossing exploration of one of the persistent enigmas of the 20th-century art world, making it a must-see for art and cinema lovers alike.