The art of pretending is a fascinating theme in cinema, offering viewers a glimpse into the complexities of human nature, identity, and the masks we wear. This collection of films delves into stories where characters navigate through life by assuming false identities, deceiving others, or even themselves. These narratives not only entertain but also provoke thought about authenticity, trust, and the consequences of living a lie. Here are ten films that explore the theme of pretense in various captivating ways.
Tootsie (1982)
Description: An out-of-work actor disguises himself as a woman to land a role on a soap opera, leading to hilarious and heartfelt situations about gender roles and identity.
Fact: Dustin Hoffman's performance was so convincing that he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor.
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Big (1988)
Description: A young boy wishes to be big and wakes up in an adult's body, navigating through life with the innocence of a child, pretending to be an adult.
Fact: The FAO Schwarz toy store scene was filmed after hours, with Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia actually playing the giant piano.
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The Mask (1994)
Description: A timid bank clerk transforms into a manic superhero after discovering a magical mask, exploring themes of identity and the freedom to be someone else.
Fact: Jim Carrey improvised much of his dialogue, adding to the character's wild and unpredictable nature.
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The Usual Suspects (1995)
Description: The film revolves around a group of criminals, but the real story is about the elusive Keyser Söze, whose existence is a masterstroke of pretense and manipulation.
Fact: The famous line "The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist" was improvised by Kevin Spacey.
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The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Description: Tom Ripley's journey from a small-town nobody to a man living a life of luxury through impersonation and murder is a chilling exploration of identity theft and the desire to be someone else.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Italy, with many scenes filmed in the actual settings described in the novel.
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Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Description: This film is based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., who before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars by posing as a Pan Am pilot, a doctor, and a legal prosecutor. It's a masterclass in the art of deception.
Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio performed most of his own stunts, including the scene where he runs from the police at the airport.
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The Departed (2006)
Description: In this film, both a cop and a criminal are living double lives, infiltrating each other's organizations, showcasing the ultimate game of pretense and betrayal.
Fact: Martin Scorsese won his first Best Director Oscar for this film.
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The Prestige (2006)
Description: Two rival magicians in Victorian London engage in a battle of wits, where the ultimate trick involves the greatest act of pretense: the illusion of death.
Fact: The film's title refers to the final part of a magic trick, where the magician reveals the result of the trick.
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The Great Gatsby (2013)
Description: Jay Gatsby's entire life is a facade, built around the pretense of wealth and status to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan.
Fact: The film used over 40,000 lights to recreate the opulence of the 1920s.
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The Imitation Game (2014)
Description: Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician, pretends to be less intelligent to avoid suspicion while secretly working on cracking the Nazi's Enigma code during WWII.
Fact: The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
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