Review of Quiz Show (1994) by Rainer K — 15 Sep 2012

Two times, characters in the film compare the ongoings and hearings with McCarthyism, both times citing that this is NOT McCarthyism. They're right but I can't help but see a certain resemblance between this film and films about McCarthyism - not only because of the period setting.

Robert Redford's directing holds the film together and he expertedly does so by creating just the right balance of showing the political elements, the network scheming and the personal life of the two protagonists.

Acting is also fine. Turturro is the perfect casting choice for Herb Stempel although Ralph Fiennes is an even better actor and steals every scene he's in. Fiennes is so good, I strangely rooted for him even though he's the bad guy.

That's one of the finest performances in his career and certainly award-worthy.

Rob Morrow is decent as Dick Goodwin who wants to uncover the fraud but he doesn't have the talent to hold up against Fiennes and so he seems a bit lost and undetermined for most of the time.

There's also an eclectic supporting cast, including Dave Paymer (perfectly casted as the game director), Christopher McDonald (again, brilliantly casted as the host) and Paul Scofield as Fiennes father (a pretty three-dimensional character for his screen time).

1994 was a good year for the movies and Quiz Show is another strong outing of this year.