Released: 2013
Runtime: 131 minutes
Giuseppe Tornatore brings us La Migliore Offerta. When shown on UK TV, it was titled "Deception" and also known as "The Best Offer". No matter which title we go with here, the movie was still fantastic. Easily one of my favourite movies of 2013. Tornatore has directed many movies before this one.
A well educated auctioneer falls for the charms of a 27 year old mystery woman, seemingly clearing out her parents house following their deaths.
Virgil Oldman, the auctioneer, is played by Geoffrey Rush (known for various movies including House on Haunted Hill and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl). His performance is outstanding. The majority of the movie is focused on him and he does an excellent job of carrying it along.
Jim Sturgess (21 and Heartless) plays Robert. He befriends and gives advice to Oldman. Playing a secondary part to Rush's character, Sturgess gives us a really sincere performance.
Donald Sutherland (no introduction need for this great) plays Virgil's 'assistant' Billy Whistler. Helping the auctioneer purchase antique items of really high value, without anyone knowing it was him buying them.
Sylvia Hoeks plays the part of the 'mystery woman'. For the first half of the movie, we only hear her voice.
Mentions go out to Philip Jackson and Dermot Crowley for their performances in the movie.
If you are a fan of heist style movies, then I would recommend this one. What I would say is that there is no action in this movie. It is definitely a crime drama. The mystery element is excellent. I didn't manage to work out what the twist was.