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Poster for The Wizard of Lies

The Wizard of Lies

Seen it?

2017 | 133 min | Crime, Drama, TV Movie

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It earned strong reviews (73% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for crime-drama fans. If you loved Casino or The Order, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Dark and gritty.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 13 min.
What might put you off
Rated R: meant for adults.

A look behind the scenes at Bernie Madoff's massive Ponzi scheme, how it was perpetrated on the public and the trail of destruction it left in its wake, both for the victims and Madoff's family.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    73% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.6 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 Critics' Choice Award: Critics' Choice Television Awards: Best Movie Made for Television. Also nominated for 3 Emmys, 2 Golden Globes and 1 SAG Award. Plus 3 other awards.

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a modest audience

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 158K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Barry Levinson

  • Robert De NiroBernie Madoff
  • Michelle PfeifferRuth Madoff
  • Hank AzariaFrank Dipascali
  • Kristen ConnollyStephanie Madoff
  • Lily RabeCatherine Hooper
  • Alessandro NivolaMark Madoff
  • Kathrine NarducciEleanor Squillari
  • Nathan DarrowAndrew Madoff
  • Steve CoulterMartin London
  • Michael A. GoorjianDan Horwitz