Watch Real Fake: The Art, Life & Crimes of Elmyr De Hory

Real Fake: The Art, Life & Crimes of Elmyr De Hory is a 2018 documentary film directed by Jesse Dylan. The film explores the life and career of Elmyr De Hory, who was one of the most notorious art forgers of the 20th century. De Hory, who passed away in 1976, has been the subject of numerous books and documentaries, but Real Fake offers a fresh and unique perspective on his life.

The film begins by introducing audiences to De Hory's early life, growing up in Hungary in the 1920s and 30s. From an early age, De Hory was drawn to art, and he quickly developed exceptional skills as a painter. However, his artistic talents alone were not enough to guarantee him success, and he struggled to make a living from his work.

In the years following World War II, De Hory moved to Paris, where he began forging paintings by some of the most famous artists of the day, including Picasso and Matisse. With his prodigious talent and eye for detail, De Hory was able to create forgeries so convincing that they fooled some of the leading art experts of the time.

As Real Fake delves deeper into De Hory's story, the film raises important questions about the nature of authenticity and the value of art. Is a painting valuable simply because of its brushstrokes and colors, or does its history and provenance matter more? Can a forgery ever truly be considered a work of art, or is it always just a copy?

One of the highlights of Real Fake is the archival footage of De Hory himself, captured in a series of interviews with British television host Orson Welles in the early 1970s. In these interviews, De Hory recounts some of his greatest successes as a forger, including the sale of a fake Modigliani to the famous collector and philanthropist Armand Hammer.

But for all his skill and ingenuity, De Hory was eventually caught, and he spent the later years of his life on the run from authorities. In 1967, he was arrested in Spain and faced extradition to the United States, where he was wanted for his art frauds. Rather than face trial, De Hory took his own life, leaving behind a complicated legacy that has continued to fascinate and intrigue people around the world.

Real Fake is an engrossing and thought-provoking documentary that sheds new light on the life and work of Elmyr De Hory. Director Jesse Dylan does an excellent job of blending archival footage, interviews, and reenactments to create a dynamic and engaging viewing experience. The film raises important questions about the authenticity and value of art and the lengths that people will go to in order to create and possess it. Whether you're a fan of art, history, or true crime stories, Real Fake is a fascinating and well-crafted film that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Real Fake: The Art, Life & Crimes of Elmyr De Hory is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.