The Hoax
In what would cause a fantastic media frenzy, Clifford Irving sells his bogus biography of Howard Hughes to a premiere publishing house in the early 1970s.
The film commercial failure against its mid-range budget of $25.0M, earning $11.8M globally (-53% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its unconventional structure within the comedy genre.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
The Hoax (2006) exemplifies precise dramatic framework, characteristic of Lasse Hallström's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 56 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.3, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Clifford Irving is a struggling writer facing rejection from publishers, living a modest life in Ibiza with his wife Edith, hoping for his next big break.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when After his latest book is rejected, Irving conceives the audacious idea to fake Howard Hughes's autobiography, seeing it as his opportunity to achieve the success he craves.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 29 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Irving pitches the fake Hughes autobiography to McGraw-Hill publishers, presenting forged letters from Hughes. The publisher accepts, and Irving commits fully to the hoax with a lucrative contract., moving from reaction to action.
At 58 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat False victory turns to danger: Howard Hughes breaks his silence with a televised phone conference, denying any involvement. The stakes raise dramatically as Irving must maintain the lie against direct contradiction., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 87 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The hoax unravels completely: Edith is identified as the Swiss bank account holder, the conspiracy is exposed, and Irving faces the death of his dream, his marriage, and his freedom., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 93 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Irving accepts responsibility and confesses to the hoax, choosing truth over continued deception. He prepares to face legal consequences and attempts to make amends., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Hoax's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping The Hoax against these established plot points, we can identify how Lasse Hallström utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Hoax within the comedy genre.
Lasse Hallström's Structural Approach
Among the 12 Lasse Hallström films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. The Hoax represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Lasse Hallström filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Lasse Hallström analyses, see Casanova, A Dog's Purpose and Something to Talk About.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Clifford Irving is a struggling writer facing rejection from publishers, living a modest life in Ibiza with his wife Edith, hoping for his next big break.
Theme
Irving's publisher discusses the value of authenticity and truth in publishing, ironically setting up the central tension between truth and fabrication that will define Irving's journey.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Irving's world: his relationship with researcher Dick Suskind, his marriage to Edith, the publishing industry dynamics, and his desperation for recognition and financial success.
Disruption
After his latest book is rejected, Irving conceives the audacious idea to fake Howard Hughes's autobiography, seeing it as his opportunity to achieve the success he craves.
Resistance
Irving debates the risks, recruits Dick Suskind as his co-conspirator, researches Hughes, and prepares the pitch. He wrestles with the moral implications while being drawn deeper into the scheme.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Irving pitches the fake Hughes autobiography to McGraw-Hill publishers, presenting forged letters from Hughes. The publisher accepts, and Irving commits fully to the hoax with a lucrative contract.
Mirror World
Irving's relationship with Edith deepens as she becomes involved in the scheme (depositing checks in a Swiss account), representing the personal cost and complicity that the hoax demands.
Premise
The fun of the con: Irving creates fake interviews, forges documents, evades investigators, and enjoys the thrill of fooling experts. The hoax gains momentum as the book becomes a media sensation.
Midpoint
False victory turns to danger: Howard Hughes breaks his silence with a televised phone conference, denying any involvement. The stakes raise dramatically as Irving must maintain the lie against direct contradiction.
Opposition
Pressure intensifies from all sides: publishers demand proof, investigators close in, Edith grows increasingly uncomfortable, and Irving's paranoia escalates as he makes increasingly desperate moves to maintain the deception.
Collapse
The hoax unravels completely: Edith is identified as the Swiss bank account holder, the conspiracy is exposed, and Irving faces the death of his dream, his marriage, and his freedom.
Crisis
Irving confronts the wreckage of his choices: his relationship with Edith is destroyed, his reputation is ruined, and he must face the consequences of his ambition and deception.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Irving accepts responsibility and confesses to the hoax, choosing truth over continued deception. He prepares to face legal consequences and attempts to make amends.
Synthesis
The aftermath: Irving serves his prison sentence, reflects on his choices, and processes what he's lost and learned. The resolution of legal matters and personal reckoning.
Transformation
Irving emerges from prison, humbled and transformed. Unlike the ambitious, desperate man at the start, he's now someone who has faced the consequences of his deception and lived with the truth.