Extortion, a crime as old as time, has been the subject of many compelling stories on the silver screen. These biopics delve into the lives of individuals who used their wits, charm, or sheer audacity to manipulate others for personal gain. From historical figures to modern-day masterminds, these films not only entertain but also offer a chilling insight into the psyche of those who live by the art of the con. Here's a curated list of 10 biopics that explore the dark, thrilling world of extortion.
The Sting (1973)
Description: Although fictional, this classic film captures the essence of a con game, where two grifters set up an elaborate sting operation to extort money from a mob boss.
Fact: The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and its plot was inspired by real-life cons.
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The Grifters (1990)
Description: While not strictly a biopic, this film delves into the world of con artists, with characters engaging in various forms of extortion, showcasing the dark side of human nature.
Fact: The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Director for Stephen Frears.
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Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Description: This film tells the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., who before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars worth of checks as a Pan Am pilot, doctor, and legal prosecutor. His tale of deception and extortion is both thrilling and educational.
Fact: The real Frank Abagnale Jr. was a consultant on the film, and Leonardo DiCaprio, who played him, spent time with Abagnale to understand his mannerisms and techniques.
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The Hoax (2006)
Description: This film recounts the story of Clifford Irving, who wrote a fake autobiography of Howard Hughes, leading to a massive extortion scheme when he tried to sell it as genuine.
Fact: The film was directed by Lasse Hallström, and Richard Gere plays Irving, delivering a performance that captures the writer's charm and deceit.
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The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Description: Based on the memoir by Jordan Belfort, this film showcases his rise to a wealthy stock-broker living the high life through his company, Stratton Oakmont, which was involved in pump-and-dump schemes and extortion.
Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was directed by Martin Scorsese.
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The Informant! (2009)
Description: Mark Whitacre, an executive at Archer Daniels Midland, becomes an informant for the FBI, revealing a price-fixing conspiracy. However, his own involvement in extortion schemes comes to light.
Fact: The film is based on the book by Kurt Eichenwald, and Matt Damon gained weight for the role to portray Whitacre's physical transformation.
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The Big Short (2015)
Description: This movie explores the lead-up to the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on several key figures who bet against the housing market, essentially extorting the system through their financial foresight.
Fact: The film uses celebrity cameos to explain complex financial terms, making the subject matter accessible to a broader audience.
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American Hustle (2013)
Description: Inspired by the FBI ABSCAM operation, this film follows con artists Irving Rosenfeld and Sydney Prosser as they are forced to work for an FBI agent, leading to a web of political corruption and extortion.
Fact: The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
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The Brink's Job (1978)
Description: Based on the real-life 1950 Brink's robbery in Boston, this film showcases how a group of small-time crooks managed to pull off one of the largest cash heists in history, involving elements of extortion.
Fact: The film stars Peter Falk, and the real-life robbers were never caught, adding to the mystique of the story.
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Dirty Money (1972)
Description: This French film, also known as "The Burglars," involves a group of thieves who, after a heist, find themselves in a cat-and-mouse game with a corrupt cop, leading to extortion and blackmail.
Fact: The film was remade in English in 1971 with the same title, starring Jean-Paul Belmondo.
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