Review of Quiz Show (1994) by Harry W — 14 Oct 2014

Directed by Robert Redford and starring a powerful cast, Quiz Show sounded like an interesting look into television history.

Quiz Show tells a very interesting story. It is built on strong roots from the get go thanks to the strength of its Academy Award nominated screenplay which is full of strong dialogue and characters, and it also makes an interesting story. While the concept of exposing a corrupt television station is not the most interesting story, Robert Redford manages to give it a lot of top notch direction which makes it an entertaining look back. Paul Attanasioâ??s screenplay amalgamates three years of scandal into a single story very well. Of course this means that the film takes creative licence with a lot of historical accuracy, but unlike in countless other films, this did not bother me. I didnâ??t leave Quiz Show with very many questions because the narrative in the film essentially answers everything you could ask, and while the conclusion of the story is perhaps not the most clearly clarified or satisfying, the reality of it is great. Robert Redford gives the best possible handling to the story in Quiz Show which really turns it into top notch entertainment which is compelling and thought provoking. The approach that the screenplay takes to the story is great because it is full of interesting characters, and the fact is that as the story progresses the focus constantly shifts between characters whom are all relevant to the character and key to the theme at their moment in time. It knows how to keep audiences involved and follows on with that consistently which allows a strong atmosphere to build up. Little dramatization is required in Quiz Show because everything unfolds with a natural sense of progression to it, but it manages to work as an extremely stylish piece at the same time.

Robert Redfordâ??s stylish direction on Quiz Show gives it visual excellence. He establishes the time of the film excellently with a keen eye for imagery which means he establishes every little detail for the scenery in the film. As well as using colourful locations, Robert Redford harnesses excellently detailed production design and costumes to bring the realism in the film to the surface. The visual style of Quiz Show is just beautiful and is packed with stylish imagery which is just unforgettable, and everything is captured with stylish and timely cinematography.

The editing style of the film is also great because it edits quickly between the shots at a pace which is sensible and realistic while also quick enough to convey the level of stress in the atmosphere. It hits a high point during the scenes which depict the characters on the titular Quiz Show Twenty One as the scenes are appropriately tense in a realistic manner as well as being quick to the point and aided by the touch of a great musical score. Quiz Show is stylish in many ways, and it capitalises on Robert Redfordâ??s vision extremely well.

And the passionate dedication from the cast in Quiz Show is just amazing as the entire cast all do an exceptional effort.

John Turturro is incredibly well detailed in the role of Herb Stempel. He looks the part very well and captures the tone of a certain kind of Jewish Nebbish along the lines of a Woody Allen character, but without making it a one-dimensional sort of comedy figure. He is able to create his own spirit for the part which has some slight undertones of comedy to it yet remain consistently dramatic. He puts the right level of neuroticism into the role which really easily projects the obsessive stress of Herb Stempel, and his characterization of the part is spot on. Quiz Show capitalises on all the best talents of John Turturro, and his performance is one of his finest to date.

Ralph Fiennes is one of the most critically acclaimed actors of this generation, and in Quiz Show it is easy to see why. Instead of being in a high-profile character role, in Quiz Show he is able to bring his natural archetype over to the more small profile role of Charles Van Doren. He is able to use his iconic voice and British charm to express an intelligent demeanour in the role of Charles Van Doren which makes him a perfect fit for the role, and he handles the material of the script with excellent dramatic charisma. Ralph Fiennes is spot on in.

Rob Morrow is really well involved in the material in Quiz Show. Tackling the role of Dick Goodwin, Rob Morrow puts a great sense of determined spirit into his role of Richard N. â??Dickâ?? Goodwin. His physical engagement in the film is great because he is so deep into character that he never steps out for a second, and his character development progresses really well as the film proceeds. Rob Morrow delivers all his lines very well and shares a powerful chemistry with the surrounding members of the cast which creates some intense moments, so his performance is pivotal to the success of the film.

David Paymer does an excellent job portraying the corrupt and manipulative nature of Dan Enright. He has a certain level of cocky arrogance to him which makes him fit the profile easily, and the way that he commands his emotions to a really subtle extent is powerful. David Paymer makes a strong supporting performer in Quiz Show who shares some great interactions with the other cast members, particularly John Turturro, and his performance is key to the corporate exploration of the story.

Paul Scofieldâ??s role is good, although his screentime is hardly enough to warrant a nomination for an Academy Award. Hank Azaria plays his part with excellent involvement and Christopher MacDonald has prime voice articulation in his part.

So Quiz Show may not have the most interesting concept, but Robert Redford is able to bring it to life with astoundingly stylish direction which harnesses the strength of a firm screenplay and an incredibly versatile cast.