The film is based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a runaway teenager from over 40 years ago who spent five years posing as a teacher, airline pilot, doctor, and lawyer while receiving millions of dollars in phony cheques. He has changed from being one of the most well-known con artists in the world to one of the most reputable experts on safe papers, embezzlement, and forgeries.
Despite having a fast pace, Steven Spielberg’s captivating masterwork is somewhat lengthy. With scenes showing Christmas celebrations throughout a number of years, the film bills itself as a holiday film. Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks’ incredible chemistry gives the film an extra lift.
During the late 1950s and early 1960s, the story takes place. It’s the innocence era, when a child could carry off con after con, tricking adults who ought to know better because such deception is unimaginable, and anyone can bluff their way through an airport by faking identification. In essence, the story revolves around a game of cat and mouse between Frank and FBI agent Carl Hanratty, who was a combination of other agents involved in the case. Frank’s descent into criminality is a reaction to the pain caused by his parents’ divorce. Throughout the five-year thrill journey that includes the greatest clothes and as many ladies as he can bear, he becomes quick-witted and compulsively pleasurable.
Hanratty, on the other hand, is a serious, unfunny divorcee who takes himself far too seriously, has no family or social life, and has his clothes washed at the Laundromat. He becomes even more sour when he approaches Frank because, each time, his victim gives him the slip, making him look like the live-action version of Wile E. Coyote. After Hanratty smells him out, Frank changes careers twice, landing a job as an assistant district attorney in New Orleans from an equally excited future father-in-law, Brenda, and being engaged to him. According to the movie, Frank impersonates these professions by watching TV episodes about doctors and lawyers and by quickly learning the lingo and mannerisms of the industry.’
The only notes of drabness come when Frank’s father occupies the screen. A man who achieves success only to see it disintegrate when the IRS comes after him, Frank Sr. is a broken man whose fate goads Frank Jr. to action. His French-born wife flees that drabness into the arms of a more successful businessman, creating a further provocation to her son’s criminal career.
The movie goes as close to psychological insight as it can with these scenes. His father and the FBI agent who was after him were the only two honest people in his life at the time. The narrative is well-written and straightforward, and its significance stems from the irony that the man attempting to arrest Abagnale is the only one who truly recognizes his achievements.
Personally, I love this movie because it was so mind-blowing how these cons were even successful. A Pilot that couldn’t fly? Assistant DA wey no sabi law? Honestly, something was in the water because evidence boku against the guy. Also, I must confess that the casting was pretty much up there for me. Leonardo, as expected, gave a very heartwarming performance of Frank Abagnale jnr. which endeared him to viewer’s hearts. I think for the first time I found myself rooting for the villain more and more.
All in all, it’s a solid 8/10 for me. I recommend you all see this movie this Christmas as you munch on that delicious warm meal cooked with all your love.
Merry Christmas everyone!! Spread the cheer!!!
