F for Fake (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

F for Fake from The Criterion Collection is Orson Welles's free-form documentary about art forgery, deception, and the blurred line between illusion and truth. This one-disc Blu-ray is listed with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.

At a glance

Welles's documentary follows art forger Elmyr de Hory and biographer Clifford Irving while examining deception and authenticity.
A self-reflexive film that turns its interest in fakery toward cinema and Welles himself.
Customer feedback notes the film's cinematography and intellectual content, but engagement is not consistent for every viewer.

Price

$19.98Save 50%

Reference price: ~~$39.95~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

The subject combines art forgery, cinematic illusion, and questions of truth, offering more to consider than a straightforward factual profile.
One disc and a listed runtime under an hour and a half make the format and viewing length easy to gauge.

Cons

Its free-form, idea-driven approach may be less engaging for viewers who prefer a tightly structured documentary.

Technical specifications

11 specifications

Disc and film
Format	Blu-ray
Number of discs	1
Runtime	1 hour and 27 minutes
Genre	Special Interests
Rating	PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Credits and release
Director	Orson Welles
Contributors	Joseph Cotton, Oja Kodar, Orson Welles
Language	English
Release date	October 21, 2014
Studio	Criterion Collection (Direct)

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions listed	0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 3.2 ounces

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Viewers interested in Orson Welles, documentary filmmaking, and the boundary between fact and performance.
Collectors seeking this Criterion Collection title on Blu-ray.

Less suited to

Viewers who want a conventional, tightly paced documentary or expect consistent engagement throughout.

F for Fake (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.6 / 5 · 146 ratings

5 stars79%79%
4 stars12%12%
3 stars3%3%
2 stars2%2%
1 star4%4%

Customer feedback praises the cinematography, intellectual content, and Welles's approach. Reactions to engagement are mixed, with some finding it entertaining and others losing interest partway through. That split matters for a free-form documentary: buyers drawn to its ideas and cinematic style may be more receptive than those looking for a consistently brisk, conventional account.

Positive themes

Customers praise the cinematography and intellectual content.
Feedback also appreciates Welles's talent and surrealistic approach.

Mixed feedback

Engagement is mixed. Some customers find the film entertaining, while others lose interest halfway through.

Frequently asked questions

What is F for Fake about?

It is a free-form documentary that centers on art forger Elmyr de Hory and biographer Clifford Irving, using their stories to explore fakery, truth, and cinema.

How long is this Blu-ray?

The listing gives a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.

How many discs are included?

The listing specifies one disc.

Is this a conventional documentary?

No. The supplied description characterizes it as free-form and self-reflexive, so its style may not suit viewers seeking a straightforward narrative.