Have you seen the movie "Catch me if you can"? It's a 2002 American biographical crime drama film based on the life of Frank Abagnale, a good-looking American boy who, before his 19th birthday, pretended to be first Airways pilot, a Georgia doctor and then a lawyer. This story is so outrageous that if I didn't know it was based on a true story, I would have thought that it was just Hollywood garbage. That's why, I would like to tell you a few words about this amazing man.
Before he was 19 years ols, Frank Abagnale pulled off so many impossible scams that you can hardly believe that he was able to do it. For five years he travelled the world for free, stayed in expensive hotels and had relationships with beautiful women. By the age of 21. he had cheated his way to $2.5 million!!! He was an international man od mystery. He was wanted by the FBI and Interpol (International Police) in 26 countries! His good looks helped him, but his charm was his most important tool...He dressed well and everybody believed the stories he made up. Leonardo DiCaprio, who plays Frank Abagnale in the film, said that "Abagnale is one of the greatest actors who has walked the Earth".
At the age of 16., Frank ran away from home and began to be an international trickster. He used magnetic ink to change bank code numbers illegally. He managed to steal $40.000 of other customers' money before the banks worked out what he was doing. He also got a pilot's uniform by saiyng that his was lost at the dry cleaner's and that he had an urgent flight. What's more, he pretended to be a doctor for a year. With no formal training, he picked up the skills by reading medical books and watching other doctors at work. Can you imagine?
I won't tell you his whole story because you have to see this movie! It's really worth watching! (even if it would be only for Leonardo DiCaprio, who can really act! )
Here some shots of the movie:
And Frank Abagnale in the flesh:
