The Wizard of Lies

The Wizard of Lies is a 2017 biographical drama film directed by Barry Levinson, starring Robert De Niro as Bernie Madoff. The movie delves into the infamous Ponzi scheme orchestrated by Madoff, which resulted in the largest financial fraud in U.S. history. Through a series of flashbacks and interviews, the film explores Madoff's deception and the devastating impact it had on his investors and family. De Niro delivers a powerful performance, capturing the complex character of Madoff as both a charismatic figure and a calculating fraudster. The Wizard of Lies offers a gripping portrayal of the moral and personal conflicts at the heart of this financial scandal.

The Wizard of Lies has garnered mixed reviews from critics, with many praising Robert De Niro's performance as Bernie Madoff. The film has a rating of 6.8/10 on IMDb and 73% on Rotten Tomatoes. While some critics lauded the film for its insightful portrayal of the Madoff scandal and the emotional toll it took on those involved, others criticized the pacing and structure of the narrative. Variety hailed De Niro's performance as 'riveting' and 'chilling', while The New York Times called the film a 'compelling and cautionary tale'. On the other hand, The Hollywood Reporter felt that the film lacked depth and failed to fully explore the complexities of the Madoff saga. Overall, The Wizard of Lies offers a thought-provoking look at one of the most notorious financial crimes in history.