The True Story of a Real Fake
Based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., an American conman, who ran amok across the U.S. with his elaborate scams and fraudulent behaviour.
Leonardo Di Caprio plays the aforementioned wrongdoer, a teenager who is devastated by his parents divorce, so much so that he makes it his life’s mission to get back the money taken from his family by the government, which he sees as the cause of the split. Franks first “grift” is to use the well respected Pan Am flight company to cash fraudulent cheques. He poses as a pilot and manages to get banks to cash cheques that appear to be from Pan Am, as well as hopping on flights pretending to be a pilot flying to another destination for a job.
Later Frank manages to pass himself off as a doctor, whilst getting himself caught up with a girl, only to go on to become a “lawyer” in order to impress her father (Martin Sheen).
Tom Hanks plays the fervent FBI agent Carl Hanratty who attempts to stop Franks reign of terror, only to find himself humiliated on countless occasions by the teenager.
Christopher Walken delivers a brilliant performance as Frank Sr., creating a father-son bond which is spectacular to watch.
Directed by Steven Spielberg, the film has a pedigree before it even starts with these big names, along with a tremendous original score from John Williams. Catch Me If You Can delivers a worthy storyline with believable characters (mainly because it’s based on non-fiction) whilst offering up some great cinematic moments. Spielberg creates a wonderful aesthetic in this period-America without it seeming tacky, whilst displaying some brilliant moments of dialogue which reveal depth to these fascinating characters.
There is comedy, action, romance and tragedy, all with a Spielberg-style movie atmosphere - nothing to dislike.
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