Review of F for Fake (1973) by Brandon S — 13 Apr 2008

If this had not made such an impression on author robert anton wilson that he donated considerable time to it in at least TWO different books I probably would never have known of its existence, since ive NEVER HEARD ANYONE ELSE SPEAK ABOUT IT EVER.

having finally been released on dvd, this hard fact seems entirely inexplicable, possibly even impossible. if not, at least unlikely. one of the first great movies about movies that I know of, and by far the best, most passionate, interesting, exciting, and special thing in orson welles repertoire.

for being as high-concept and meta as it is, F somehow manages to be utterly charming and buoyant. there's a joy to it that's endearing to me beyond explanation. it's also drop-dead funny and smart as hell, a social commentary, and an autobiography.

obviously a huge influence on every great film that's come out since. special bonus points for the 9 minute trailer (slash short film) that lies about the real revelation of the film being that Orson's War of the Worlds radio broadcast was not really a fake at all.

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