Real Fake: The Art, Life & Crimes of Elmyr De Hory

Real Fake: The Art, Life & Crimes of Elmyr De Hory is a gripping, insight-rich documentary delving into the peculiar world of notorious art forger, Elmyr de Hory. Produced by Master in Trouble Films and released in 2020, the movie embarks on the engrossing journey to chronicle the life, art, and transgressions of Hory -- one of the most infamous art forgers of the 20th century.

Director Jeff Oppenheim innovatively meshes investigative journalism with the elements of a true-crime drama, creating a compelling journey through Hory’s life and crimes, which unfolded across continents and decades. The documentary effectively weaves the intricate fabric of deceit, skill, and audacity that played in tandem, allowing Hory to deceive the world of experts, critics, and art lovers for years.

At its heart, Real Fake is a comprehensive exploration into Hory’s genius. It presents an honest portrayal of a man who developed an uncanny knack for reproducing the works of esteemed artists like Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Amedeo Modigliani. The narrative doesn’t merely paint Hory as a criminal but as an artist with a talent for imitation that blurred the lines between originality, artistry, and deception.

The documentary delves deep into Hory’s history, tracing his roots as a Hungarian aristocrat, his struggles amidst World War II, and his subsequent migration to America and Ibiza where his notorious career in art forgery took off. It touches on his connections with Hollywood celebrities and high-class society, and how his flamboyant lifestyle and charismatic personality helped hide his illicit undertakings.

Significantly, the film doesn’t shy away from the complexities and moral dilemmas that surround the world of art forgery. It pushes past the usual black-and-white narrative to question the nature of art, its aesthetics, and the way the worth of art is determined. Through Hory’s life, the documentary raises some strikingly provocative questions about authenticity and the subjective value of art.

Real Fake is a highly engaging profile of a man who lived his life as a high-wire act between art and forgery. The filmmakers use archival footage, photographs, interviews, and re-enactments to construct a textured narrative, simultaneously managing to carve out a window into Hory's psyche. His engaging charisma is contrasted with his infamous deeds, striking a balance between his talent and his criminal actions.

The documentary features a host of contributors, including art experts, critics, Hory’s acquaintances, and even his victims. Their shared anecdotes collectively shed light on his secretive world, his impeccable skill, and the extent of his deceptions. Art historian Mark Forgy, who knew Hory personally, emerges as one of the primary voices in the documentary, providing observations that offer direct insight into Hory’s character.

One of the film's most exciting aspects is its exploration of the expertly crafted, nearly undetectable works Hory produced. Scholars and art critics errantly attributing Hory's works to revered masters underline the commentary on the subjective nature of aesthetic value in the world of fine arts.

Certainly, the documentary doesn't respectfully revere or condemn Hory. Instead, it aims to present an objective viewpoint, allowing viewers to contemplate on their own about the paradox of art and forgery. In its effortless transition from intimate portrayal to an exploration of deeper sociocultural themes, Real Fake: The Art, Life & Crimes of Elmyr De Hory remains a must-see for those intrigued by the dynamics of art, value, and crime.