real case?

Yes, the story is based on the Director's life. It's a story he knows well. Some of the names had to be changed, many of the people are already dead, but enough are still alive that there had to be considerations...

I did a lot of Internet research on Duncan Roy after I saw the movie... The Lady Gryffon character is based on Claire Rendelsham who was not an art gallery owner but owned the fashionable YSL shop in London. David Glendinng character is based on the late Lord Bristol...

I would suggest buying or renting the dvd and listening to Duncan Roy tell his story (the director's commentary). There is a little on the Internet but it's a lot easier to hear it from him. I really liked this film but hated Method... I think he did a lot with a little here. It really worked for him.