 The drama Owning Mahowny ( 2003 ) gave Hoffman his second lead role , starring opposite Minnie Driver as a bank employee who embezzles money to feed his gambling addiction . Based on the true story of Toronto banker Brian Molony , who committed the largest fraud in Canadian history , Hoffman met with Molony to prepare for the role and help him play the character as accurately as possible . He was determined not to conform to " movie character " stereotypes , and his portrayal of addiction won approval from the Royal College of Psychiatrists . Roger Ebert assessed Hoffman 's performance as " a masterpiece of discipline and precision " , but the film earned little at the box office . 
