Madoff: the rise and fall

The film examines Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme – his deception, lies and cover-up, all as the financier’s wife and sons are catapulted into a harsh and unrelenting spotlight. In 2008, the stockbroker, investment adviser and financier made headlines around the world when he was arrested for perpetrating perhaps the largest financial fraud in US history.

De Niro comes to HBO for the first time in the role of family patriarch Bernie Madoff. Pfeiffer stars as Ruth Madoff, Bernie’s long-time spouse and unwitting partner during the events that would lead to financial ruin for countless people and institutions, as well as his and his family’s destruction.

The Wizard of Lies is directed by Barry Levinson from a script by Sam Levinson and John Burnham Schwartz and Samuel Baum, based on Diana B. Henriques’ 2011 book of the same title, which featured unprecedented access and more than 100 interviews, including Madoff’s first interviews for publication since his arrest. “Truth and Consequences,” by Laurie Sandell, served as additional source material.

Levinson won Academy award in best director for “Rain Man”. He also executive produced and directed HBO Films’ “You Don’t Know Jack” and executive produced HBO Films’ “Phil Spector,” both of which earned him Emmy nominations.

The film also stars Alessandro Nivola (“American Hustle”) as Mark Madoff, Bernie and Ruth’s oldest son, and Nathan Darrow (“House of Cards”) as Andrew Madoff, their youngest son, both of whom worked with their father at his investment firm.

The film is available on HBO Asia through the AIS Playbox package.