ITV's latest foray into art world drama, 'Frauds', has left critics and viewers alike scratching their heads in bewildered disappointment. The channel that brought us compelling historical pieces seems to have missed the mark entirely with this confused caper that attempts to blend comedy, crime and art appreciation into one messy package.
A Plot That Defies Logic
Stephen Mangan and Tom Basden star as two art dealers whose scheme to forge a Salvador Dalí painting spirals into absurdity. What begins as a potentially intriguing premise about art authentication quickly descends into a series of increasingly implausible scenarios that test audience patience.
The drama's central conceit – that a single forged Dalí could unravel into such chaotic consequences – stretches credibility beyond breaking point. Stevens notes that the plot "lurches from one unlikely scenario to another" without ever finding its footing.
Wasted Talent and Missed Opportunities
What makes 'Frauds' particularly disappointing is the sheer waste of acting talent involved. Both Mangan and Basden are capable performers who've demonstrated their comedic and dramatic chops elsewhere, yet here they're given material that fails to showcase their abilities.
The production values, while competent, can't compensate for a script that can't decide whether it wants to be a sophisticated art world thriller or a broad comedy. The result is a tonal mess that satisfies neither craving.
The Dalí Disappointment
Perhaps most frustrating is the treatment of Salvador Dalí himself. The surrealist master becomes merely a plot device rather than a meaningful presence in the narrative. The drama touches on interesting questions about art valuation and authenticity but never explores them with the depth they deserve.
Christopher Stevens concludes that 'Frauds' represents a significant misstep for ITV's drama department, suggesting that the channel would have been better served by a straightforward documentary about Dalí's actual forgeries and authentication challenges.
For viewers seeking intelligent entertainment about the art world, this particular offering fails to paint a compelling picture, leaving one to wonder if the real fraud is the drama itself.
