Fakers
February 2008 Reviewed by: Anthony Di Marco Format: DVD	(all ratings out of 5): Overall Enjoyment Picture Quality Packaged Extras Sound Quality

Heist films follow a common formula: A group of down-and-out yet good-natured criminals come up with a plan to steal or swindle a rare or highly valuable article that is guarded by impenetrable security -- protection that the most-weathered criminals have failed to crack. A heist film’s story twists and ebbs along a serpentine plotline that proudly sports unnecessary complexities. Double-crosses are always succeeded by triple-crosses that are guaranteed to be trumped by a final twist that somehow gives favor to the criminals.

Fakers resists adding needless complexity to a simple story while offering its own twist to the heist/caper genre and playing on the art world’s dirty little secret: It's full of "fakers" who collect art not because of its intrinsic value and exclusivity but because it entitles its owner to bragging rights. To these superficial individuals a piece of art is no more than a possession that bolsters a collapsing ego. The crooks swindle not by maliciously manipulating their prey but by playing on their victims’ avarice.

The filmmakers manage to give this small film the look and acting talent that would be the envy of more expensive productions. Solid camerawork and witty dialogue complement an excellent cast, which includes Kate Ashfield (Shaun of the Dead) and Art Malik (True Lies). Malik makes the most of his screen time by playing mobster Foster Wright with the right balance of aristocrat and sociopath, while Matthew Rhys gives the audience an underdog to root for in small-time crook Nick Edwards. Chemistry among the ensemble cast is excellent. Director Richard Janes injects just enough originality to separate Fakers from the surplus of British caper films, and he succumbs only to a single Guy Ritchie (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) quick-cut montage.

Technically, little separates this modest British film from a Hollywood product. Continuity is seamless, as is the acting. Picture and sound are done justice via a clean transfer to DVD. I was surprised to hear that Fakers was shot in 16mm. Only a little bit of noise in the colors and slightly compressed-sounding dialogue mar this better-than-average effort. Kevin Sargent’s inspired score is one of Fakers’ best qualities. This spry fusion of jazz and progressive sounds adds boundless energy to the forward momentum of this simple story.

Individual interviews with crew and cast are the only extras. Although the canned questions get tiring, it’s obvious in hearing this good-natured and grounded group of people as to why Fakers doesn’t feel like just another heist film.

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