Investigative journalist Scott Johnson of the Hollywood Reporter initially reported on the strange phenomenon of a con artist impersonating some of the film industry’s most powerful women. The extraordinary story escalated.
The resultant book The Con Queen of Hollywood: The Hunt for an Evil Genius forms the basis for this overlong, repetitive three part documentary from Apple TV+ directed by Chris Smith. From Hollywood to Jakarta to Manchester, Johnson tracks down the man who passed as the likes of Donna Langley, Amy Pascal and other film producers/senior executive in the industry, conning freelance actors, writers, photographers and make-up artists.
Phone calls to photographers with progam outlines asking them to travel to Jakarta for location shots: actors offered roles in forthcoming blockbusters. All are fictitious – all out-of-pocket. Yet hotels and transport in Indonesia were covered, airlines received payments thus enabling the ruse to continue. But what is very apparent is that along with the financial cost, many suffered mental health issues and crises of confidence as a result. Which made the tracking down of internet influencer Hargobind Punjabi Tahilramani to Manchester in the UK the more bizarre.
As much a power trip as financial, the gift of impersonation, manipulation and deception provided Tahilramani with opportunities to reek havoc. And as Johnson digs deeper, so more is revealed. But as a three part docuseries, The Hollywood Con Queen loses momentum. Repetition sets in as scenarios are repeated. It’s a disturbing story – one which could have been told, to acheive more impact, in two parts rather than an overextended three.
Rating: 57%
Director: Chris Smith (Fyre, TV’s Tiger King)
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