IMDb RATING
6.2/10
6.5K
YOUR RATING
Ulrich Mott, an ambitious social climber, marries a wealthy widow in Washington D.C. in order to mix with powerful political players.Ulrich Mott, an ambitious social climber, marries a wealthy widow in Washington D.C. in order to mix with powerful political players.Ulrich Mott, an ambitious social climber, marries a wealthy widow in Washington D.C. in order to mix with powerful political players.
- Director
- Writers
- Stars
Laura de Carteret
- Eleanor Price
- (as Laura De Carteret)
Lou Jurgens
- Younger Socialite
- (as Sarah Jurgens)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
Ulrich Mott (Christoph Waltz) is a well-connected DC operator. He's married to the elderly widow Elsa Breht (Vanessa Redgrave). Her daughter Amanda Breht (Annette Bening) distrusts the smooth talker. When Elsa is suddenly dead, Amanda immediately accuses Ulrich.
This movie is trying hard to sell its reveals. In the end, there is only one truly intriguing reveal. Once that reveal is shown, I would like to see more of Elsa. It's their relationship that is so mysterious. I want to figure her out more. He's a scammer and a skilled story teller. Him telling his stories is not the most compelling cinema. It's not that deep. It's marginally quirky enough to be mildly amusing. I want her and I want to see more of their relationship.
This movie is trying hard to sell its reveals. In the end, there is only one truly intriguing reveal. Once that reveal is shown, I would like to see more of Elsa. It's their relationship that is so mysterious. I want to figure her out more. He's a scammer and a skilled story teller. Him telling his stories is not the most compelling cinema. It's not that deep. It's marginally quirky enough to be mildly amusing. I want her and I want to see more of their relationship.
Waltz and Redgrave offer great performances portraying the real people involved in this movie. Be ready to raise questions and seek answers. Think fraud but ....
It is a slow pace mystery which keeps you guessing what really happened. Though there are many surprising twists in the story, there is little surprise. The film somehow lacks a wow factor. Acting is good though.
Or is it psychopath? I get the 2 mixed up despite the fact I lived next door to one for far too long.
This is a great (true) story - scary story. Cannot imagine being the daughter, seeing the ruse so clearly and not having my mother believe me.
I would not be surprised if this showed up on Dirty John Series. Sadly, it's perfect for that franchise.
Okay - the cinematography is a bit off a lot of the time, but that's forgivable for this first time director. Do hope he doesn't allow it to happen again. Really hope it wasn't his choice to shoot it that faded out!
Great cast! And story. Glad they wrapped it up at the end for us.
If you want a lesson on what to look for in someone who seems too good to be true - watch this. And if you know someone like him - RUN !!
This is a great (true) story - scary story. Cannot imagine being the daughter, seeing the ruse so clearly and not having my mother believe me.
I would not be surprised if this showed up on Dirty John Series. Sadly, it's perfect for that franchise.
Okay - the cinematography is a bit off a lot of the time, but that's forgivable for this first time director. Do hope he doesn't allow it to happen again. Really hope it wasn't his choice to shoot it that faded out!
Great cast! And story. Glad they wrapped it up at the end for us.
If you want a lesson on what to look for in someone who seems too good to be true - watch this. And if you know someone like him - RUN !!
Overall liked the movie, was decent. Acting was good and the story was relatively interesting. The film comes off as if events were incredibly complex, but at the end it's all quite simple.
Did you know
- TriviaChristoph Waltz's directorial debut of a cinematic movie. He earlier directed the made-for-TV movie "Wenn man sich traut (2000)," for which he also wrote the screenplay.
- GoofsMott's so-called uniform of the Iraqi Special Forces is an appalling mish-mash. The tunic is British style. The brass buttons have the design worn on a civilian's blazer. There's no rank and the black flashes on the upper collar have no meaning. The cap badge on the beret looks like it was stolen from the set of Hunt for Red October. The ribbons are all from American issued medals.
- Quotes
Ulrich Mott: Can we talk? Not on the telephone. It's not prudent.
- Crazy creditsDisclaimer before opening credits: "This story does not, in any way, claim to be the truth. Nonetheless, it is inspired by actual events."
- ConnectionsReferences Lawrence d'Arabie (1962)
- How long is Georgetown?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $39,163
- Runtime
- 1h 39m(99 min)
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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