IMDb RATING
6.2/10
6.5K
YOUR RATING
Ulrich Mott, an ambitious social climber, marries a wealthy widow in Washington D.C. in order to mix with powerful political players.Ulrich Mott, an ambitious social climber, marries a wealthy widow in Washington D.C. in order to mix with powerful political players.Ulrich Mott, an ambitious social climber, marries a wealthy widow in Washington D.C. in order to mix with powerful political players.
- Director
- Writers
- Stars
Laura de Carteret
- Eleanor Price
- (as Laura De Carteret)
Lou Jurgens
- Younger Socialite
- (as Sarah Jurgens)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
Ulrich Mott (Christoph Waltz) is a well-connected DC operator. He's married to the elderly widow Elsa Breht (Vanessa Redgrave). Her daughter Amanda Breht (Annette Bening) distrusts the smooth talker. When Elsa is suddenly dead, Amanda immediately accuses Ulrich.
This movie is trying hard to sell its reveals. In the end, there is only one truly intriguing reveal. Once that reveal is shown, I would like to see more of Elsa. It's their relationship that is so mysterious. I want to figure her out more. He's a scammer and a skilled story teller. Him telling his stories is not the most compelling cinema. It's not that deep. It's marginally quirky enough to be mildly amusing. I want her and I want to see more of their relationship.
This movie is trying hard to sell its reveals. In the end, there is only one truly intriguing reveal. Once that reveal is shown, I would like to see more of Elsa. It's their relationship that is so mysterious. I want to figure her out more. He's a scammer and a skilled story teller. Him telling his stories is not the most compelling cinema. It's not that deep. It's marginally quirky enough to be mildly amusing. I want her and I want to see more of their relationship.
A compelling movie that reveals the flaws in American high society to readily accept people based on vague connections and sheer gall. The protagonist in this movie, played wonderfully by Christoph Waltz (who also directs) is both fascinating and disturbing - a character so determined to climb the social and political ladder that he'll attempt to charm and shmooze his way into virtually every opportunity, all delivered with the smile of a charming, dinner party host. The film unfolds via a series of flashbacks, each showing chapters of the character's life and disturbing personality, culminating in a criminal event. The other cast members are equally brilliant and the movie keeps the tension going throughout. A great film to watch if you're interested in human psychology and the motivations behind those that prey on the vulnerabilities and egos of others.
Or is it psychopath? I get the 2 mixed up despite the fact I lived next door to one for far too long.
This is a great (true) story - scary story. Cannot imagine being the daughter, seeing the ruse so clearly and not having my mother believe me.
I would not be surprised if this showed up on Dirty John Series. Sadly, it's perfect for that franchise.
Okay - the cinematography is a bit off a lot of the time, but that's forgivable for this first time director. Do hope he doesn't allow it to happen again. Really hope it wasn't his choice to shoot it that faded out!
Great cast! And story. Glad they wrapped it up at the end for us.
If you want a lesson on what to look for in someone who seems too good to be true - watch this. And if you know someone like him - RUN !!
This is a great (true) story - scary story. Cannot imagine being the daughter, seeing the ruse so clearly and not having my mother believe me.
I would not be surprised if this showed up on Dirty John Series. Sadly, it's perfect for that franchise.
Okay - the cinematography is a bit off a lot of the time, but that's forgivable for this first time director. Do hope he doesn't allow it to happen again. Really hope it wasn't his choice to shoot it that faded out!
Great cast! And story. Glad they wrapped it up at the end for us.
If you want a lesson on what to look for in someone who seems too good to be true - watch this. And if you know someone like him - RUN !!
I don't understand the bad ratings. Ok it's not a 10 but an enjoyable movie with Waltz at his best. 1st half of the movie is brilliant. The second half, especially towards the ending, lacks a bit which is why I only give it a 7.
In a sense this is the Christoph Waltz show, he directs and stars as a man who had great ambitions but was totally duplicitous. In the Washington, D. C. area. Dabbling on the edges of politics and wars. When he 91-yr-old wife turns up dead in their home he is the logical suspect.
In the real life inspiration for the movie the younger man met his eventual wife when he was still a teenager in college. She was married at the time but after her husband died they reconnected. They married in 1990 when she was 70 and he was 26. Her death was 21 years later.
There are a number of really good actors but the movie succeeds on the performance of Christoph Waltz as the duplicitous narcissist. I have seen him in a variety of roles and he is always excellent, a real expert in his craft.
My wife and I watched it at home streaming on Amazon. A really interesting and entertaining movie.
In the real life inspiration for the movie the younger man met his eventual wife when he was still a teenager in college. She was married at the time but after her husband died they reconnected. They married in 1990 when she was 70 and he was 26. Her death was 21 years later.
There are a number of really good actors but the movie succeeds on the performance of Christoph Waltz as the duplicitous narcissist. I have seen him in a variety of roles and he is always excellent, a real expert in his craft.
My wife and I watched it at home streaming on Amazon. A really interesting and entertaining movie.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaChristoph Waltz's directorial debut of a cinematic movie. He earlier directed the made-for-TV movie "Wenn man sich traut (2000)," for which he also wrote the screenplay.
- GoofsMott's so-called uniform of the Iraqi Special Forces is an appalling mish-mash. The tunic is British style. The brass buttons have the design worn on a civilian's blazer. There's no rank and the black flashes on the upper collar have no meaning. The cap badge on the beret looks like it was stolen from the set of Hunt for Red October. The ribbons are all from American issued medals.
- Quotes
Ulrich Mott: Can we talk? Not on the telephone. It's not prudent.
- Crazy creditsDisclaimer before opening credits: "This story does not, in any way, claim to be the truth. Nonetheless, it is inspired by actual events."
- ConnectionsReferences Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
- How long is Georgetown?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $39,163
- Runtime1 hour 39 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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