The Impostors (1998)
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62% of critics liked it
(37 reviews) -
69% of users liked it
(3,604 ratings)
Actor Stanley Tucci made his directorial debut with a strong cast in this Depression Era farce focusing on two struggling two New York actors. In opening scenes, Maurice (Oliver Platt) and Arthur (Tucci) fabricate a fake fight at an outdoor cafe, do acting exercises, audition for a theater director… More Actor Stanley Tucci made his directorial debut with a strong cast in this Depression Era farce focusing on two struggling two New York actors. In opening scenes, Maurice (Oliver Platt) and Arthur (Tucci) fabricate a fake fight at an outdoor cafe, do acting exercises, audition for a theater director (Woody Allen in an uncredited cameo), stage a pastry shop argument (to get food), and watch over-the-top, Barrymoresque actor Jeremy Burtom (Alfred Molina) on Broadway in Hamlet. Later, Burtom overhears himself insulted by a drunken Maurice and gives chase, forcing Arthur and Maurice to hide in a box. When they awaken, the box has been moved onto a luxury liner bound for France. To evade Burtom, they pose as stewards, meeting passengers and crew members: Staff director Meistrich (Campbell Scott) fancies head stewardess Lily (Lili Taylor), who goes for ship detective Marco (Matt McGrath). Others on board include Greek wrestling enthusiast Sparks (Billy Connelly); a former European queen (Isabella Rossellini); a suicidal lounge vocalist (Steve Buscemi); and a revolutionary (Tony Shalhoub) planning to bomb the liner. Shown in the Certain Regard section at the 1998 Cannes Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi
- Directed By
- Stanley Tucci
- Written By
- Stanley Tucci
- Genres
- Comedy
- In Theaters
- Jun 1, 1999 Wide
- Studio
- Fox Searchlight
Critic Reviews
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
I grew weary of all the Keystone-age antics.
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Karina Montgomery, Cinerina
Sublime comedic charm!
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Dan Lybarger, Lawrence Journal-World
Slight but creative little comedy.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Oliver Platt
as Maurice
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Stanley Tucci
as Arthur
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Teagle F. Bougere
as Sheik
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Elizabeth Bracco
as Pancetta Leaky
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Steve Buscemi
as Happy Franks
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Billy Connolly
as Sparks
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Alan Corduner
as Captain
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Hope Davis
as Emily
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Dana Ivey
as Mrs. Essendine
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Allison Janney
as Maxine (Maxi)
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Richard Jenkins
as Johnny (Frenchman)
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Matt McGrath
as Marco
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Alfred Molina
as Jeremy Burtom
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Isabella Rossellini
as Queen (Veiled Woman)
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Campbell Scott
as Meistrich
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Tony Shalhoub
as First Mate
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Lili Taylor
as Lily
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Lewis J. Stadlen
as Bandleader
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Woody Allen
as Theater Director [uncredited]
