Frauds is a 1993 Australian black comedy film directed by Stephan Elliott and starring Phil Collins, Hugo Weaving, and Josephine Byrnes. The story revolves around Roland Copping, a fraud investigator and his unorthodox methods of solving insurance claims. He is a twisted and manipulative character who comes up with outrageous games and gimmicks to win his clients' trust. Copping is sleazy, unethical and has no qualms about breaking the rules to get what he wants.
The film is set in Sydney, Australia and follows Copping as he investigates a suspicious insurance claim by a couple, Jonathan and Beth, who have lost their entire collection of sculptures in a fire. Copping believes that the couple staged the fire to get the money and sets out to prove it. He uses his charms and manipulations to get closer to the couple, and sets up intricate games to test their honesty and integrity.
As the story progresses, Copping's games become more elaborate, and he gets more and more involved with the couple. This leads to an escalating vendetta between Copping and Jonathan, with both of them trying to outsmart each other. The film is full of twists and turns, and nothing is as it seems. The audience is left wondering who is telling the truth and who is lying.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, but Phil Collins' performance was praised. Frauds is a dark and twisted comedy that explores the greed and deception that exists in the insurance industry. It is a unique and entertaining film that will keep you guessing until the very end.
