'There Are No Fakes' A Review

There Are No Fakes is a Canadian documentary that starts with Barenaked Ladies keyboardist Kevin Hearn's law suit against a gallery about an allegedly forged painting he purchased by renowned Indigenous artist Norval Morrisseau. But what's uncovered is a far reaching fraud ring populated by dark and dangerous characters.

The film takes it's time and traces the events back from Hearn's acquisition and then his notification that his purchase may be a forgery. Morrisseau as an artist, his work, his life and his legacy are explored while folding in the various art dealers, lawyers, and auctioneers. It's a fascinating, complex, heartbreaking story that goes significantly beyond Hearn's case, and who virtually disappears from the movie after the beginning of the law suit which is the catalyst for unspooling this vast network.

Through interviews, found footage, and a couple recreations the film goes beyond true crime to an incredibly effecting story of humanity and art. The way it's constructed is not unlike many by-the-numbers docs but the story itself is incredibly powerful.

Currently streaming on Amazon.

See It.