"The Wizard of Lies" thread - NYC premiere pics on page 5-6

That is incredibly awesome of u to do that!!

Should we start a separate thread when the time comes) for ppl to write their reactions to the film so that others can avoid until they've seen it?? I know it's a true story n ppl know the ending, but the spoiler factor is still there in terms of certain scenes (specifically Pfeiffer scenes)

Here is Variety's review.  More of the same - tepid response to the film while generally praising the actors. Michelle's role seems to be underwritten to the point where most critics feel she just wasn't given enough to do and the screenplay didn't provide enough depth or insight into Ruth.  

variety.com/2017/tv/reviews/wizard-of-lies-hbo-robert-de-niro-michelle-pfieffer-diana-henriques-1202422089/

"Many of the tragedies that afflicted the Madoff family — beyond Bernard’s incarceration — could have been affecting, had the film had more time to give his family members a bit of depth and complexity. But for the most part, the Madoff clan is portrayed by very fine actors trying their best to give life and specificity to shallow characters. One hopes that Michelle Pfeiffer’s next TV project — and there should be a next one — takes greater advantage of her many talents."

These reactions remind me of HBO's "All The Way" a couple of years ago. Got pretty good reviews, but a lot of mixed ones for the film overall and really good reviews for the performances. Not a disaster, but could have been better. Melissa Leo got an Emmy nomination for that and her reviews were somewhat similar to Pfeiffer's. Some reviews didn't mention her much at all, others praised her, others said she was okay. But, that was a weaker year, in terms of competition, I think.

Did you guys see this:
www.today.com/video/robert-de-niro-and-michelle-pfeiffer-talk-wizard-of-lies-madoff-scandal-947105347885

Just came across it. Maybe its been posted here, somewhere.

Boston Herald ain't too crazy bout the movie, but likes Michelle...

www.bostonherald.com/entertainment/television/2017/05/the_wizard_of_lies_shortchanges_bernie_madoff_story?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

"Pfeiffer sinks into her role as a socialite stunned to be shunned, even if too much of her dialogue is just too on point to be authentic"

Harry Connick Jr. is a Pfan

A very positive review from The New York Times including a rave for Michelle.  

www.nytimes.com/2017/05/18/arts/television/review-in-the-wizard-of-lies-de-niro-excels-at-being-madoff.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ftelevision&action=click&contentCollection=television&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront&_r=0

"The star is well matched by Michelle Pfeiffer, returning from a brief career hiatus to play Ruth: a woman who’s lived the high life for so long that she can’t understand why her husband’s mistakes should keep her from getting a hair appointment at the best Manhattan salon."

This one, from the Las Vegas Review Journal,  is a love letter to Michelle.  

www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/entertainment-columns/christopher-lawrence/michelle-pfeiffer-steals-scenes-in-hbos-bernie-madoff-movie/

"There’s a jarring, hallucinatory scene that sprinkles in some visual flair. But, while it’s a relief to once again see De Niro in a quality project that has nothing to do with Martin Scorsese or David O. Russell, “The Wizard of Lies’ ” greatest special effect is Pfeiffer."


And another rave from The Las Vegas Weekly. Michelle must have some hardcore fans in Vegas. 

"The most impressive performance in the movie comes from Michelle Pfeiffer as Madoff’s wife, Ruth, who spent nearly her entire life supporting and relying on her husband, only to have all of that shattered in an instant."

It's Richard Roeper. He's an idiot and maybe the worst film critic working today. At least Ken Tucker took the time after seeing the film to do some research about Ruth and her voice.

God, I miss Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel so much. Can't believe Roeper was Siskel's replacement.

So after a few early negative reviews, the film is garnering mostly favorable reviews now with several flat-out raves for the performances. This bodes well for some Emmy love in my opinion with the likelihood of Michelle getting a nomination. Not that this should sway Emmy voters, but I think there's pervasive respect within the acting community for Michelle. People feel she is long overdue for some major acting laurels. I am betting her name is called when they announce the nominees.


Re: the R Roeper comment about her accent. That is a prime example of lazy writing - go watch a clip of Ruth talking before you make a comment like that.

Thanks to babyface for posting more reviews and to saran1 for the wonderful film poster. Nice to see all the critical accolades in one spot.

u guys missed the Ny Post!  Emmy!  nypost.com/2017/05/19/hbos-madoff-movie-is-a-powerful-character-study/

"Pfeiffer, using a nasal outerborough accent, really delivers,"

"Her deadpan reaction when a newscaster compares her to Bonnie Parker may win Pfeiffer an Emmy. “How am I Bonnie?” she asks, cigarette dangling. “Bonnie was a killer. I ain’t Bonnie.”