The Impostors

The Impostors is a 1998 comedy film directed by Stanley Tucci, who also stars in the film alongside Oliver Platt, Walker Jones, Steve Buscemi, and Billy Connolly. The film is set in the 1930s and revolves around the adventures of two struggling actors who are mistakenly accused of being notorious killers and subsequently go on the run.

The film begins with the introduction of Arthur (Tucci) and Maurice (Platt), two struggling actors who are trapped in a never-ending cycle of casting calls and auditions. Desperate for work and tired of being rejected, the two friends decide to take matters into their own hands and try to get noticed by staging a scene in a fancy restaurant. The scene, however, goes awry and results in them being thrown in jail.

While in jail, the two friends overhear two men discussing a plot to kill a wealthy industrialist named Mr. Sparks (Connolly). Believing that they have stumbled upon a real-life murder plot, Arthur and Maurice hatch a plan to save the unsuspecting Mr. Sparks.

After being released from jail, Arthur and Maurice embark on a series of misadventures that take them from the streets of New York to the high seas. Along the way, they encounter a host of eccentric characters, including a suicidal chef (Buscemi), a washed-up magician (Michael Emerson), and a pompous theater director (Alfred Molina).

Despite their best efforts, however, Arthur and Maurice are mistaken for the two killers they overheard in jail and are pursued by both the police and the real killers. As they try to clear their names and stop the assassination plot, they find themselves in increasingly perilous situations that test their friendship and their acting abilities.

The Impostors is a witty, fast-paced comedy that pays homage to the screwball comedies of the 1930s. The film is filled with slapstick humor, witty one-liners, and memorable performances by a talented cast. Tucci and Platt have great chemistry and bring a charmingly absurd quality to their roles as struggling actors turned accidental heroes.

The film's period setting is also a strong point, with elaborate costumes, art deco sets, and a jaunty score that transport the audience to another time and place. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Buscemi stealing scenes as the neurotic chef and Connolly bringing a delightful comic energy to his role as the wealthy industrialist.

Overall, The Impostors is a joyful, anarchic comedy that celebrates the art of performance and the power of laughter. It's a film that doesn't take itself too seriously and is all the more enjoyable for it. Whether you're a fan of screwball comedies or just looking for a good laugh, The Impostors is sure to satisfy.