By Nick Gonzales
Herald staff writer
In the modern wasteland of reality television, I like to think few people would be surprised to find out that their favorite shows – purporting to present actual events – are actually staged.
In the 1950s, however, this was not necessarily the case, and Robert Redford’s “Quiz Show” presents a spectacular tale of deception in this much simpler time.
“Quiz Show” begins as Herb Stempel (John Turturro), a nebbish working-class genius, is paid by the network to take a dive on the game show “Twenty-One” in favor of Ivy League WASP Charles Van Doren (Ralph Fiennes). As Van Doren rises to stardom while being fed answers, enterprising attorney Richard Goodwin (Rob Morrow) begins an investigation into networks’ practices.
For a film about a relatively dry subject – the moral compasses of game show producers and contestants – “Quiz show” gives audiences a lot to think about. Are TV shows that bill themselves as “reality” obligated to remain authentic? And are fame and fortune worth engaging in dubiously moral behavior?
Redford’s direction in “Quiz Show” is top notch, bringing 1957 into vivid clarity. Fiennes shines in one of his first starring roles, especially when cast against a delightfully annoying Turturro.
While the movie’s messages and plot twists were not necessarily surprising when it came out in 1994, it is still an interesting look into the entertainment industry. At the very least, it will make you pause and wonder next time you sit down to watch “Jeopardy.”
ngonzales@durangoherald.com.
Quiz Show
Rating:
PG-13
Genre:
Drama
Directed by:
Robert Redford
Written by:
Paul Attanasio
Release:
1994
Available on:
Netflix, iTunes, Amazon
Nick’s Picks
Barton Fink
Rating:
R
Genre:
Comedy, drama
Directed by:
Joel Coen
Written by:
Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Why watch it:
Weird as anything else the Coen brothers ever made, this film about a playwright with writer’s block takes on everything from Hollywood to religion to madness.
Release:
1991
Available on:
Netflix, iTunes, Amazon
World of Tomorrow
Rating:
Not rated
Genre:
Animation, comedy
Directed by:
Don Hertzfeldt
Written by:
Don Hertzfeldt
Why watch it:
Sixteen minutes long, this cartoon about a young stick figure who is visited by her clone from the future is not only hilarious but also a wistful reflection on life.
Release:
2015
Available on:
Netflix, Amazon
Before We Go
Rating:
PG-13
Genre:
Comedy, drama, romance
Directed by:
Chris Evans
Written by:
Ronald Bass, Paul Vicknair, Chris Shafer, Jen Smolka
Why watch it:
While two strangers developing an emotionally-charged relationship when they’re thrown together by circumstance isn’t the most original plot ever filmed, Chris Evans (aka Captain America) shines as both an actor and director.
Release:
2015
Available on:
Netflix, iTunes, Amazon
Raiders!
Rating:
Not rated
Genre:
Documentary
Directed by:
Jeremy Coon, Tim Skousen
Written by:
Jeremy Coon, Tim Skousen
Why watch it:
This documentary presents a surprisingly poignant portrait of friendship and fan culture, centering on a group of kids who filmed a shot-for-shot remake of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and reunited decades later to shoot the final scene.
Release:
2016
Available on:
Netflix, iTunes, Amazon
