The Best Offer Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A germaphobe art auctioneer finally finds love with a voice behind a wall, only to discover his heart and his art collection have been equally burglarized.

🍿 The Best Offer: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Virgil Oldman

Virgil Oldman, played by Geoffrey Rush, is a highly respected but eccentric art auctioneer and appraiser. He lives a meticulous and solitary life, marked by his obsessive-compulsive habits and an aversion to physical contact. He is known for his expertise in spotting forgeries, but harbors a secret: a private collection of valuable female portraits acquired through unscrupulous means.

The Mysterious Claire Ibbetson

Oldman receives a call from Claire Ibbetson, a young heiress who wants him to appraise the art and antiques in her family’s villa. However, Claire suffers from severe agoraphobia and refuses to meet him in person, communicating only through the walls of her estate. Intrigued by her mysterious nature, Oldman becomes increasingly drawn to Claire and her situation.

The Automaton and Robert’s Advice

While assessing Claire’s estate, Oldman discovers various mechanical parts that appear to be components of an old automaton. He enlists the help of Robert, a young technician, to reassemble the device. Robert also advises Oldman on how to connect with Claire, as the older man has little experience with relationships. This friendship and Robert’s guidance become central to Oldman’s pursuit of Claire.

Virgil and Claire’s Relationship

As Oldman continues to visit Claire, they develop a unique relationship despite her continued refusal to show herself. He becomes obsessed with her voice and personality, gradually falling in love. Through Robert’s advice, Oldman attempts to break through Claire’s barriers and help her overcome her agoraphobia. Eventually, Claire reveals herself to Virgil, and they begin a physical relationship.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Virgil Oldman (Geoffrey Rush): An esteemed but eccentric art auctioneer who falls victim to an elaborate con while appraising an heiress’s estate.
• Claire Ibbetson (Sylvia Hoeks): A young, reclusive heiress suffering from agoraphobia who hires Virgil and becomes the object of his affection.
• Robert (Jim Sturgess): A skilled artificer who aids Virgil in restoring an antique automaton and offers him advice on his relationship with Claire.
• Billy Whistler (Donald Sutherland): Virgil’s longtime friend and collaborator in art auctions, secretly plotting against him.
• Fred (Philip Jackson): Claire’s caretaker who facilitates Virgil’s access to the villa while secretly being involved in the scheme.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Billy Whistler: “Human emotions are like works of art. They can be forged.” – Billy warns Virgil about the deceptive nature of feelings, foreshadowing the film’s central twist.
• Billy Whistler: “Everything can be faked, Virgil. Joy, pain, hate… illness, recovery. Even love.” – Billy explains how emotions can be faked.
• Virgil Oldman: “I’m not capable of loving. I never have been.” – Virgil reveals his inability to love.
• Robert: “There is always something authentic concealed in every forgery.” – Robert explains how every forgery has some truth in it.

💰Box Office

• Budget: €13,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $100,035
• Worldwide Gross: $20,919,703

💥 The Best Offer Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, what a ride! I was completely drawn into Virgil Oldman’s world. The movie does an incredible job of creating suspense. Geoffrey Rush is phenomenal. The way his character transforms from a cold, detached expert to someone vulnerable and in love is masterful. The scene where he finally sees Claire for the first time – I literally held my breath! The ending left me feeling shocked and a bit heartbroken. Definitely a movie that stays with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in art and antiques”
  • “Those who appreciate complex character studies”
  • “Audiences who enjoy films with twist endings”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Deception and betrayal”
  • “May be disturbing for sensitive viewers”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Giuseppe Tornatore crafts a visually stunning film with a compelling performance by Geoffrey Rush. However, the plot’s predictability undermines its emotional impact, leaving a lingering sense of unfulfilled potential.
• RogerEbert.com: “”The Best Offer” is a meticulously crafted thriller. The film’s true strength lies in its ability to keep you guessing, blurring the lines between authenticity and deception until the very end.
• Variety: “Tornatore’s direction, while visually impressive, sometimes feels heavy-handed. Yet, Geoffrey Rush delivers a captivating performance, showcasing his versatility. However, the film’s romantic undertones feel somewhat forced.

Audience Reactions

Geoffrey Rush’s performance was absolutely stunning, carrying the entire film.: Viewers praised the film’s intricate plot and beautiful visuals, making it a truly engaging cinematic experience.

The film kept me guessing until the very end, a rare feat in modern cinema.: Audiences admired the movie’s twists and turns, applauding its ability to maintain suspense throughout.

Overall Consensus: The Best Offer is a visually impressive and suspenseful thriller, buoyed by Geoffrey Rush’s stellar performance, although some viewers found the plot predictable.

Awards

1. David di Donatello Awards (Best Film)- 2013
2. David di Donatello Awards (Best Director)- 2013
3. David di Donatello Awards (Best Score)- 2013

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot in various locations across Italy, Prague, and Vienna to create a visually rich and atmospheric backdrop.”
• “Ennio Morricone’s score significantly contributes to the film’s suspenseful and emotional tone, marking one of his last major works.”
• “Giuseppe Tornatore drew inspiration from classic Hitchcockian thrillers and psychological dramas, aiming to create a modern homage to the genre.”
• “The automaton featured in the film serves as a symbolic representation of Virgil’s own life, hinting at manipulation and artificiality.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Best Offer?

As of October 2024, ‘Deception’ (also known as ‘The Best Offer’) is available for streaming on various platforms. Check streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Tubi for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary by region. You may also find it for sale on DVD or Blu-ray.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Best Offer, you might like these similar films:

• Vertigo (1958): Shares themes of obsession, deception, and psychological manipulation, with a protagonist caught in a web of illusion.
• The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999): Involves identity theft, deception, and the dark side of ambition within a glamorous European setting.
• The Thomas Crown Affair (1999): Features a sophisticated art heist and a cat-and-mouse game between two intelligent individuals.
• Prisoners (2013): A dark thriller about deception and the manipulation of those with good intentions.
• Diabolique (1955): A suspenseful mystery with several twists and turns that deceive the viewer.

🛒 The Best Offer Related Products

• The Best Offer [Blu-ray]: Own the captivating thriller on Blu-ray with stunning visuals and immersive audio. Experience the intricate plot and Geoffrey Rush’s mesmerizing performance in high definition.
• Art of Deception: The Official Companion Book: Delve deeper into the world of art forgery and deception with this companion book. Explore behind-the-scenes insights, character studies, and the film’s intricate plot twists.
• Customizable Movie Poster: Create a movie room vibe in your home. High-quality print for true fans of the movie.
• Art Heist Board Game: Players race against time to steal priceless artworks. This fast-paced board game combines strategy, deduction, and a bit of luck, inspired by the film’s themes of art forgery and deception.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Best Offer features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “La Morte di Virgilio” – performed by Ennio Morricone
• “Aria sospesa” – performed by Ennio Morricone
• “Missing Robot” – performed by Ennio Morricone

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Best Offer (2013) Official Trailer

Step into the world of high-stakes art auctions and uncover the mysterious relationship between a solitary art dealer and a young heiress in this captivating trailer for ‘The Best Offer’.

The Best Offer TRAILER (2013) – Donald Sutherland, Geoffrey Rush Movie HD

Delve deeper into the enigmatic world of ‘The Best Offer’ with this extended trailer. Discover the secrets, betrayals, and hidden desires that drive the characters’ actions.

The Best Offer Official Trailer #2 (2013) – Geoffrey Rush, Jim Sturgess Movie HD

Go behind the scenes of ‘The Best Offer’ and witness the passion and dedication of the cast and crew as they bring this captivating story to life. Get a glimpse into the creative decisions and challenges they faced.

The Best Offer Official Trailer #1 (2013) – Geoffrey Rush, Jim Sturgess Movie HD

Join renowned director Giuseppe Tornatore as he unveils the motivations and artistry that shaped ‘The Best Offer.’ Hear his thoughts on the film’s central themes and the complexities of human nature.

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