As the evening sun sets below the horizon, two somewhat clumsy thugs arrive at the doorstep of an unsuspecting elderly couple, waving a questionable debt notice that claims to be from Stanley Kubrick. Yet, their target, the clever con artist Alan Conway, has already fled to greener pastures, leaving behind a web of deceit and misdirection. Oblivious to the deception, the would-be collectors create a scene outside, only to be escorted away by law enforcement.
Conway's cons are nothing short of astounding, as he seamlessly takes on multiple identities to convincingly impersonate the reclusive film director. He enchants a young fashion designer with grand stories of cinematic brilliance, wins over the managers of an aspiring heavy metal band with his misguided expertise in rock music, and even persuades a cab driver to part with cash, all while posing as Kubrick. His unwitting victims, blissfully unaware, shower him with gifts ranging from complimentary meals to evenings filled with romance.
However, Conway's most formidable obstacle arises in the form of a savvy rent boy, who sees right through the con man's flimsy charade. When Conway tries to share an anecdote about directing Judgment at Nuremberg (1961), he is quickly corrected that it was actually Stanley Kramer behind the camera, leaving the rent boy's piercing glare to force Conway to retreat.
Later, in a drunken stupor, Conway encounters Frank Rich, a journalist associated with The New York Times, in a local diner. Infuriated by an article suggesting that Kubrick is a recluse, Conway seizes the opportunity to argue the inaccuracies within the piece. This unexpected meeting profoundly influences Rich, sparking a determination to uncover the truth about Kubrick's reclusive persona.
As Rich dives deeper into his research, he discovers a photograph of the real Stanley Kubrick, only to be struck by the jarring difference between the man in the photograph and the imposter he met at the diner. Conway's carefully crafted persona begins to unravel, setting off a chain of events that will leave a lasting impact on everyone involved.
After collapsing from intoxication on a sun-drenched beach, Conway is revived by a gentle nurse, setting the stage for a series of fortuitous encounters that will dramatically change his life. Amidst this newfound camaraderie, he befriends Lee Pratt, a charming British singer and comedian, who unwittingly becomes his gateway to a life filled with luxury and extravagance. With Pratt indulging him financially in exchange for Conway's empty promises of catapulting him to international fame, the con artist embarks on a lavish adventure, leveraging Pratt's readiness to support him while spinning tales of his ability to make the entertainer an American sensation.
Yet, this precarious balancing act collapses when an observant cleaning woman at an upscale seaside hotel in Devon discovers Conway's passport, exposing his real identity. With Pratt's suspicions aroused, Conway finds himself unceremoniously dropped from Pratt's life and plunged into the cold waters of Lyme Bay.
In a bid to evade consequences, Conway devises a cunning plan, pretending to be the legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick himself. This audacious ruse successfully lands him a stay at a prestigious mental institution, where his doctor composes a detailed case study for submission to a respected medical journal.
As Conway navigates this peculiar detour, he convinces the doctor that he has recovered from a fictional mental breakdown, securing his release from the facility. However, his doctor remains skeptical about his battle with alcoholism, ensuring that Conway is admitted for a four-week stay at the luxurious Rimini Clinic, a well-known rehab center frequented by numerous celebrities.
Within the serene confines of the clinic, Conway finds himself surrounded by wealthy individuals, living lavishly as he indulges in spa treatments and leisurely relaxes in a stunning hot tub. Meanwhile, on-screen text unveils his astonishing escape from prosecution, culminating in a quiet return to his modest flat in Harrow. This chapter of his life would eventually close in December 1998, a mere three months before the death of another cinematic icon, Stanley Kubrick.
