The Hoax

The Hoax

Year: 2007

Runtime: 116 min

Language: English

Director: Lasse Hallstrom

DramaComedy

A skeptical psychiatrist investigates a patient who has turned violent, attempting to discern genuine trauma from elaborate deception. As the psychiatrist delves deeper into the patient's psyche, the boundaries between reality and illusion become increasingly blurred. The professional finds himself questioning his own understanding of sanity and the nature of truth, struggling to maintain his objectivity in the face of disturbing revelations.

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Timeline – The Hoax (2007)

Trace every key event in The Hoax (2007) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Publisher's Interest

In 1971, McGraw-Hill executives show interest in Clifford Irving's novel *Rudnick's Problem*, following the disappointing reception of his previous work, *Fake!*. Despite Irving's hopes for success, the publisher decides against its release due to an unsatisfactory review from a Life editor.

1971
2

Hotel Evacuation

During a vacation with friend Richard Suskind, Clifford Irving faces an abrupt evacuation from their hotel at the order of the eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes. This unexpected disruption forces Irving and Suskind to return to New York City earlier than planned.

Hotel
3

Boardroom Storm

Back in New York, Irving grows frustrated with the lack of attention from the publisher's executives and storms into a boardroom. He boldly claims to have a project that could be the 'book of the century,' challenging them to take him seriously.

New York City Boardroom
4

Discovery of Hughes

While searching for a compelling subject, Irving stumbles upon a cover story about Howard Hughes. Instantly captivated by Hughes's reclusive nature and wealth, he decides to pursue him as the focus for his new work.

5

The Forged Deal

Irving fabricates a story claiming that Hughes has commissioned him to write his autobiography, presenting forged handwritten notes as evidence. To his shock, handwriting experts authenticate these notes, leading McGraw-Hill to seal a $500,000 deal for the book.

6

Personal Strain

As Irving's professional life flourishes, his personal life deteriorates due to marital problems with his artist wife, Edith, intensified by his affair with Nina van Pallandt. Despite this, Irving reassures Edith of his loyalty while conducting research trips with Richard Suskind.

7

Research and Deception

Irving and Suskind undertake exhaustive research into Hughes's life, even resorting to illegally obtaining a draft biography from one of Hughes's former aides. They gather extensive information, solidifying the fabrications they plan to present.

8

The Mysterious Box

Irving receives a mysterious box containing scandalous information about potential illegality involving Hughes and President Nixon. Convinced this is a sign of Hughes's support, Irving seamlessly weaves this sensitive information into his manuscript.

9

Phony Meeting Setup

As the publication date approaches, Irving stages a fake meeting between the publishers and Hughes to validate the authenticity of his work. Despite Hughes publicly denying any connection to the book, McGraw-Hill executives remain optimistic about its potential success.

10

Financial Scheming

Irving negotiates additional payments for himself while plotting with Edith to deposit a check labeled 'H. R. Hughes' into a Swiss bank account created under a false identity, 'Helga R. Hughes.' This scheme reflects their growing desperation as tensions mount.

11

Paranoia Escalates

As the pressure of the deception takes a toll, Irving spirals into paranoia, grappling with guilt from his affair and the length he must go to maintain appearances with Edith. The mounting stress clouds his judgment and heightens his anxiety.

12

Televised Denial

Following a televised conference call where Hughes vehemently denies any association with the book, Irving finds himself engulfed in despair and hopelessness. This public repudiation challenges the credibility of his fabricated narrative.

13

Arrest and Cooperation

After the truth begins to unravel, Irving is arrested and attempts to negotiate immunity for Edith in exchange for his cooperation. The gravity of the deception and the consequences of their actions start to feel inevitable.

14

Legal Outcomes

In the aftermath of the scandal, Irving, Edith, and Suskind receive only minor sentences for their fabrications. The legal outcomes highlight the risks associated with their ambitious and dishonest project.

15

Historical Implications

A radio broadcast hints at favorable legal rulings for Hughes, leading Irving to ponder the potential entanglement of his book with President Nixon's administration. This suggests that Hughes's story might have unforeseen implications tied to the Watergate scandal.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 07:24

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