Director: Robert Redford
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, John Turturro and Paul Scofield
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors have made movies that shine as bright as Ralph Fiennes. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Fiennes has become an icon. Whether it is preachers, Nazi commanders or bold political leaders, Fiennes has always portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Fiennes’ greatest strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has often had talent for stealing the show in supporting roles with limited screen time. Even when he’s not the central focus of a movie, Fiennes always leaves a lasting impression. An actor with bold commitment, Fiennes has proven a celebrated icon in entertainment. Although he is arguably best known for his iconic role as Voldemort in the Harry Potter franchise, Fiennes has proven he can make engaging films in every single genre. Throughout a long lasting career, Fiennes has made many memorable movies that definitely are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Fiennes and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Quiz Show” is my favourite. Released back in 1994, Robert Redford’s movie offered an engaging portrait of controversial quiz show scandals. Packed with stunning production, engaging storytelling and fantastic acting, it is one of the finest movies ever made about scandals. At the centre of it all is a fantastic performance by Ralph Fiennes, who plays a victim of a show facing decline. Ultimately, what makes “Quiz Show” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most films about scandals, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. A mesmerizing masterpiece about a scandal, there are several reasons why “Quiz Show” is a movie which is worth watching.
Based upon true events, “Quiz Show” tells a story of a controversial scandal that causes sorrow. John Turtorro plays Herb Stempel, a victorious contestant on a game show. Herb is a dedicated contestant that has strong drive to succeed in a quiz show competition. However, Herb’s life dramatically changes when he is replaced by another contestant on shows causing a disaster. Charles Van Doren (Ralph Fiennes) is a highly intelligent competing contestant that threatens Herb’s chances of success in the competition. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Herb questions whether it’s possible for him to emerge victorious in a controversial show causing disaster. Facing sorrow, Herb soon questions whether it is possible to achieve success in the show.
Robert Redford is a newcomer to the stories of scandals. Before he made “Quiz Show”, Redford had never directed a movie about scandals. It was the filmmaker’s attempt to capture a controversial game show scandal in history but he succeeded. Using stunning cinematography, Redford captured a strong contestant embarking on a journey in a quiz show facing adversities. Inspired by Alan J. Pakula’s “All the President’s Men”, Redford uses montages to capture hardships which participants in a controversial game show are facing. For instance, montages elevate the game show victories scene. During this memorable scene, Herb is enthralled when he achieves victories in a game show. Using stunning montage, Redford crafts a portrait of game shows that’s compelling. Montages are tricky techniques to use in most movies. As Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” did suggest clearly, montages elevate historical films about the Holocaust. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Using strong visuals, Redford captures the tension which participants upon a competitive game show are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Quiz Show” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Inspired with Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner”, Redford expertly uses cross-cutting editing to capture the tensions that game show contestants are facing. For instance, cross-cutting editing elevates the game show competition scene. During this memorable scene, Herb faces tension when he’s threatened by competing contestants on his quiz game. Using cross-cuffing, Redford creates a portrait of game shows that’s compelling. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Mark Isham’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden which participants on a game show bear. Using strong production, Redford captures a celebrated game show competition.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Quiz Show” is a film about quiz scandals that’s compelling. The film is extremely well written, and effectively uses monologues to capture tensions that participants on game shows are enduring. Emulating Peter Weir’s “Dead Poets Society”, Redford successfully uses dramatic monologues to capture lives of game show contestants facing adversity. For instance, dramatic monologues elevate the scandal scene. During this unforgettable scene, Herb delivers a rousing speech about the scandalous nature of the quiz show that causes tension. Through bold monologues, Redford crafts a portrait of quiz shows that audiences can easily relate to. Monologues are complex techniques to use in movies. As Anthony Minghella’s “The English Patient” suggested, monologues enhance period pieces. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Through a fantastic screenplay, Redford captures lives of game show contestants facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Ralph Fiennes gives one of his best career performances as Charles. Fiennes earned appreciation for portraying psychotic Nazi commanders in historic dramas. With “Quiz Show”, however, he took on his most tricky role. It isn’t easy to portray a controversial participant on a game show scandal but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, bold and emotional in his most memorable role. Fiennes has excelled at playing characters under pressure, and “Quiz Show” exhibited his strengths as an actor. With captivating expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and resentments faced by a contestant on a game. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the most commemorated actors that is working today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Ralph Fiennes, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. John Turturro is terrific, capturing sorrow faced by a competitive contestant searching for success on a game show. Paul Scofield is powerful, capturing the field of a judge on game shows whose fate is sealed. Lastly, Hank Azaria deserves appreciation. As a competitive game show contestant, he is unforgettable.
Finally, “Quiz Show” would earn recognition of everyone for capturing the harsh realities of a game show. Unlike most movies about game show competitions, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate toward. It discusses bold themes including ambition, health and quiz scandals that will resonate among everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with quiz shows which happen in history to admire it. Therefore, “Quiz Show” is one of those rare films about game shows everyone will adore.
Fans of Ralph Fiennes would definitely enjoy “Quiz Show” and so would movie-goers that seek tense entertainment. A bold scandal drama, it honours an actor with charisma.
Nearly 30 years following the release of an iconic film about participants that endure sorrow on a competitive game show, it’s a fantastic reminder about an actor that has achieved fame through his abilities to play strong characters that go through troubles in memorable movies which give audiences dreams to follow.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 