Watch Playing Mona Lisa

Playing Mona Lisa is a 2000 American comedy-drama film directed by Matthew Huffman and starring Alicia Witt, Harvey Fierstein, and Brooke Langton. The movie revolves around Claire Goldstein (Alicia Witt), a piano prodigy who has never been able to escape her father's shadow. Her father was a famous piano player, and she has always felt the need to live up to his expectations. She has a job as a pianist in a hotel lounge, but she feels unfulfilled and stuck in her life.

One day, Claire receives an odd phone call from a woman named Mona Lisa (also played by Alicia Witt). Mona Lisa is Claire's exact double, except for her personality. Mona Lisa is outgoing, charismatic, and has a zest for life. She invites Claire to come to her house and play piano for her. Claire hesitates at first, but she is intrigued by the prospect of meeting her double.

When Claire arrives at Mona Lisa's house, she discovers that Mona Lisa is actually a con artist. Mona Lisa has an elaborate scam going on, where she hires people to impersonate various family members for wealthy clients. She needs Claire's help to play piano for a rich client who is hosting a dinner party. Claire is reluctant at first, but she is seduced by Mona Lisa's charisma, and she agrees to help out.

At the dinner party, Claire meets the other actors who are involved in Mona Lisa's scam, including a drag queen (Harvey Fierstein) who is hired to play Mona Lisa's mother. Claire is amazed by their acting skills and their ability to deceive the rich clients. She starts to enjoy the thrill of the deception, and she becomes more and more like Mona Lisa.

As the movie progresses, Claire becomes increasingly involved in Mona Lisa's scam. She starts to push the boundaries of what is acceptable, and she puts herself and the other actors at risk. She becomes obsessed with the thrill of the deception, and she loses sight of her own life and goals. Along the way, she learns some valuable lessons about herself and the importance of following one's dreams.

Playing Mona Lisa is a quirky movie that blends comedy, drama, and romance. It explores themes of identity, family, and the search for fulfillment. Alicia Witt delivers a strong performance, playing both Claire and Mona Lisa with skill and nuance. Harvey Fierstein steals the show with his hilarious portrayal of the drag queen Mona Lisa's mother. Brooke Langton provides a solid supporting performance as Claire's friend and confidant.

The movie's script is well-written, with sharp dialogue, witty one-liners, and clever plot twists. The pacing is fast, and the story keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The movie's soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring a mix of classical and modern music that complements the movie's themes and tone.

In conclusion, Playing Mona Lisa is a fun, entertaining movie that will appeal to fans of quirky comedies and romantic dramas. It is well-acted and well-written, with strong themes and a satisfying conclusion. If you're looking for a unique and engaging movie experience, give Playing Mona Lisa a chance.

Playing Mona Lisa is a 2000 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.