The Wizard of Lies

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The Wizard of Lies

TV-MA

2017

2h 13m

Drama

Crime

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Popcornmeter

73%

Tomatometer

51 Reviews

64%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

In 2008, stockbroker, investment adviser and financier Bernie Madoff made headlines around the world when he was arrested for perpetrating perhaps the largest financial fraud in U.S. history.

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Critics Consensus

The Wizard of Lies doesn't really shed much new light on its fact-based story, but thanks to solid direction and a talented cast, it still proves consistently watchable.

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Gwen Ihnat

AV Club

Jul 20, 2020

B-

At the end of the film, we might have a better understanding of how this giant Ponzi scheme unfolded, but we still have no idea why it happened-a significant shortcoming for an HBO movie with this kind of pedigree.

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Chuck Barney

San Jose Mercury News

Jul 20, 2020

It should come as no surprise that, through it all, De Niro's Madoff remains an enigma - an android-like con man prone to blank stares and remorseless, matter-of-fact statements when questioned about his reprehensible actions.

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Michael Hogan

Daily Telegraph (UK)

Jul 20, 2020

3/5

Pfeiffer stole the show as Madoff's wife Ruth, nervously chain-smoking her way through a scandal she naively knew nothing about.

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David Walsh

World Socialist Web Site

Feb 11, 2021

The most damning thing one can say is that The Wizard of Lies does not raise genuinely troubling questions about the existing social order.

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Bruce R. Miller

Sioux City Journal

Jul 20, 2020

Like Ron Howard in "A Beautiful Mind" or "Genius," Levinson does whatever he can to make a static story pop to life.

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Breathe J

@SilverScreenSweetheart Jan 30, 2026

The Wizard of Lies chronicles the rise and fall of the late disgraced financier and convicted fraudster, Bernie Madoff. While it’s not a masterpiece, the Wizard of Lies is a strong, emotional, and engaging film. Barry Levinson’s direction was impressive, and while I was disappointed with most of the minor character’s performances, Michelle Pfeiffer’s performance was compelling. But it was Robert De Niro’s performance as Bernie Madoff that stole the show (no pun intended). His portrayal of Madoff was completely enticing, gripping, and convincing. He really made the movie worth watching. Overall, while it is far from the best movie I’ve ever seen, The Wizard of Lies is a compelling watch, especially for fans of crime dramas, thrillers, and the one and only Robert De Niro. Thank you for reading my review! God bless you, and stay safe. (And don’t steal.)

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Łukasz T

@RT88901891 Dec 29, 2025

Not a bad movie however it tried too much to whitewash and paint as innocent the Madoff family. 68/100

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Diaulas F

@RT13630323 Mar 1, 2025

Michelle Pfeiffer brilha dando vida a personagem Ruth. Pude sentir e viver como ela viveu. Merecia ter ganho o Emmy.

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Igor S

@Igor_Sena Oct 7, 2024

At some point, it started to get really repetitive, but it's still worth the watch, if you're in the mood for this kind of movie.

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Joe D

@RT21751528 Aug 9, 2024

I love this movie! The actors did such a good job and was so interesting!

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Leighton M

@RT36138443 May 10, 2024

It lacked to much with back story for me. Top quality performances from most of the cast. Well directed etc, it just lacks background.

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Barry Levinson

Director

Robert De Niro

Bernie Madoff

Michelle Pfeiffer

Ruth Madoff

Alessandro Nivola

Mark Madoff

Nathan Darrow

Andrew Madoff

Kristen Connolly

Stephanie Madoff

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The Wizard of Lies: Trailer 1

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The Wizard of Lies: Teaser Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In 2008, stockbroker, investment adviser and financier Bernie Madoff made headlines around the world when he was arrested for perpetrating perhaps the largest financial fraud in U.S. history.

Director: Barry Levinson
Producer: Joseph E. Iberti
Screenwriter: Sam Levinson, John Burnham Schwartz, Samuel Baum
Production Co: Tribeca Productions, Home Box Office (HBO)
Rating: TV-MA (L)
Genre: Drama, Crime
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): May 23, 2017
Runtime: 2h 13m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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