10 Crime Films Based On Real Events
2. Catch Me If You Can Is Spielberg's Presentation Of Con Man Frank Abagnale
With an all star cast featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken and Michael Sheen, and directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, Catch Me if You Can is the story of a young con man who stole millions of dollars before he reached 19. The film, based on real life criminal mastermind, Frank Abagnale began development as early as 1980 before being released in 2002 after the con man sold Spielberg’s DreamWorks the rights to his book.
Despite the film passing through the hands of multiple directors, DiCaprio was locked in early to play Abagnale, who posed as everything from a pilot to parish prosecutor to swindle money, becoming so good at his craft that the FBI even turned to him for help. However Tom Hanks similarly stands out as FBI agent Carl Hanratty, being equally outwitted and ruthless.
Ultimately, Catch Me If You Can is a fantastic watch, fascinating and witty. It’s unapologetically Spielberg, thought provoking and rich. More magically than anything, there is the overtone that it’s not about crime at all, but the breaking down of a family, its effects and the aftermath. A career best for many involved and a stellar achievement.