Almost True: The Noble Art of Forgery

Elmyr de Hory (born Hoffmann Elemér Albert), is such an intriguing figure. One can focus on his alleged crimes, selling forgeries for far too much, and possibly even getting his fakes into art collections and museums throughout the world. Or, there is another way to look at him.

Early in this film, he says something to the effect of: "Picasso would sell this for $15,000 to $20,000; I would sell it for less." Whether intentional or not, this raises a good question: why does art have value? If one person can make a painting identical to the original, why is the original worth so much when they exhibit the same image, the same style? This film features an interview with Clifford Irving, who is a bit of a legend. That the two swindlers became friends is so appropriate. A documentary most likely exists on Irving, as well, and these two back to back could make a great double feature.

And, of course, we are left to wonder how many of his claims are fake themselves? Perhaps the sales he claimed to make never truly happened...