Directed by:
Robert RedfordScreenplay:
Paul AttanasioCinematography:
Michael BallhausComposer:
Mark IshamCast:
John Turturro, Rob Morrow, Ralph Fiennes, Paul Scofield, David Paymer, Hank Azaria, Christopher McDonald, Mira Sorvino, George Martin, Elizabeth Wilson (more)VOD (3)
Plots(1)
In 1958 when television quiz shows ruled the airwaves, Charles Van Doren was the wildly popular champion of a successful TV show called "Twenty-One." A national celebrity who appeared on the covers of both "Time" and "Life" magazines, Van Doren was an American folk hero--the intellectual's answer to Elvis Presley. Week after week audiences tuned in to watch as Van Doren, a popular English instructor at Columbia University and the product of one of America's most renowned literary families, seemed to draw from his vast knowledge the correct answers to obscure questions. His charming presence seduced 50 million people into believing him. But the truth is, viewers were fooled and saw only what the network and program's producers wanted them to see. Then someone pulled the plug. When disgruntled contestant Herbie Stempel charged that the quiz game was a fraud, Congressional investigator Richard Goodwin uncovered the facts that exposed the deception, and sent shock waves reverberating across America. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews (4)
Karel Čapek had his hero exposed to a corrosive press campaign in one of his stories. Even his housekeeper, who had witnessed his blameless life, believed in the absurd accusations. He desperately turned to her, saying, "You must know best that it's nonsense." - "If they wrote it in the newspapers, then it must be true," came the resolute response. This film presents a moralistic drama about the power of media and the risks associated with the functioning of large media corporations. Television has lost its dominance since the reconstructed scandal, but the fundamental question remains - to what extent can we trust the media and uncritically accept them? The court knows that it is necessary to verify and examine everything from multiple sources, and even this film probably won't help the naive. Quiz Show is a well-written and filmed drama and a significantly above-average genre film. It is interesting in one more aspect, as inadvertently, it shows how members of an elite group stick together. An alumnus of a prestigious and expensive university does not want to harm another alumnus and member of the same social class. Justice starts to maneuver and lean in different ways. Overall impression: 85%.
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Manipulation and conscience play leading roles. Though perhaps a little longer than necessary, it was still a more than good film starring the amazing John Turturro and Ralph Fiennes. I did yawn a few times due to the running time, but in the end I was actually entertained nonetheless, and constantly curious to see what would happen next. "The audience didn't tune in to watch some amazing display of intellectual ability. They just want to watch the money."
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An interestingly executed conversational drama that accurately characterises Robert Redford's creative style: slow pace, thoroughly developed characters, and a condensed yet clear plot. Unfortunately, the pace was slower than necessary this time, and occasionally felt like reaching for the remote control and skip some of the less visually appealing sequences. Nevertheless, it must be said that Redford never steps completely wrong, the ending has charm and a point, and that is, after all, what matters.
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Robert Redford once again did an admirable job as a director, tackling a controversial subject - the manipulation of television media with viewers - related to the eternal pursuit of fame and wealth by anyone even slightly "happier". It is a masterfully made film that highlights the corrupt morality that infected society so thoroughly back then that we are still unable to admit how badly it affects our lives. The convincing performances of John Turturro and Ralph Fiennes also contribute to the final impression. However, I could have done without the typically American applause of everyone present at the final stage of the trial. (80%)
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