The Best Offer

About The Best Offer

The Best Offer is a 2013 romantic mystery drama film directed and written by Giuseppe Tornatore. The film follows the story of an eccentric art auctioneer Virgil Oldman who falls in love with a reclusive young heiress, while assisting her in managing her family's art collection. As Virgil gets pulled deeper into her life, he unfolds a series of secrets and deceits that change the course of his life.

Making / Production

The film was primarily shot in Northern Italy and Vienna, Austria. Giuseppe Tornatore’s intricate screenplay was brought to life with the help of the exceptional production team.

Actors

• Geoffrey Rush as Virgil Oldman: A veteran actor, Rush brings a palpable intensity to the role of Oldman, portraying the blend of arrogance, vulnerability, and bewildering love with brilliance.
• Sylvia Hoeks as Claire Ibbetson: Hoeks plays the mysterious Claire, providing an enigmatic and captivating performance that breathes life into her character.
• Donald Sutherland as Billy Whistler: Sutherland delivers a compelling performance as Virgil's friend and confidante.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film marked the first time director Giuseppe Tornatore worked with Australian actor Geoffrey Rush.
• The Best Offer was primarily shot in English, a departure from Giuseppe Tornatore's usual Italian-language films.

Awards

The film won several awards, including the Best Film at the David di Donatello Awards, and Geoffrey Rush won the award for Best Actor from the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts.

Quotes

• "Emotions are like work of art. They can be forged. They seem just like the original, but they are a forgery." - Virgil Oldman
• "There's always something authentic concealed in every forgery." - Billy Whistler

Music, Soundtrack

• The film’s hauntingly beautiful score was composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone. His music plays an essential role in creating the film's evocative atmosphere and enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative.