Quiz Show (1994)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Spencer S

  
  Based on true events that transpired during NBC's rise to prominence with televised quiz shows in 1958, Quiz Show is an enrapturing tale of television gone wild and its tendril influence on the American population. Though Quiz Show doesn't shine an infracted light on… More
  Based on true events that transpired during NBC's rise to prominence with televised quiz shows in 1958, Quiz Show is an enrapturing tale of television gone wild and its tendril influence on the American population. Though Quiz Show doesn't shine an infracted light on television and the corruption and lack of regulation directly, it does raise a lot of questions about what we're willing to believe in order to stay entertained. In an era that caters to the Kardashian clan and other reality blights; this film draws a lot of parallels to modern situations and even predicts our nation's complacency in forms of television that are neither true nor lacking in debilitation. Though quiz shows in the fifties didn't hurt anyone and lent to education, they were also based on enjoyment of the American public, therefore only letting who they wanted win based on biased beliefs. The story covers a rigged game and the prominence of Charles Van Doren, an instructor at Columbia who was supplied the answers, winning a considerable amount of money while selling the product Geritol and giving the show Twenty-One high viewership. The film is very emotional and brings up the questions of what is truth, what are the public being led to believe in order for big wigs to win out financially, and should we trust the box in our living rooms over what we know to be true. Though it's an amazing story and a turning point in advertising taking over television and influencing all new forms of media, it's the tension over the investigation that keeps this film thrilling. Ralph Fiennes is the intellectual pretty boy, a role that he was born to play, and though he usually grates on my nerves, here he is neither condescending nor problematic to the rest of the story. The casting of the entire film was spot on. Rob Morrow as the investigating government agent who likes Van Doren but also has to bring down all the people around him was perfect, with his easy accent and intense scrutiny of the indiscretion around him. Turturro does irritate like a bothersome gnat, while also being pitiful and naïve. This film is so sickeningly good it makes me cringe to think about everything yet it's also so important. Certainly my favorite Redford directed film.

• Dan S

  
  An under-rated gem of the 90's that features outstanding performances from its ensemble cast, and a sensational gutting and ravaging of the television industry concerning a popular 50's quiz game show and the internal corruption of how the studio has certain contestants fix… More
  An under-rated gem of the 90's that features outstanding performances from its ensemble cast, and a sensational gutting and ravaging of the television industry concerning a popular 50's quiz game show and the internal corruption of how the studio has certain contestants fix matches. Robert Redford's fantastic detailing of his characters and plot keeps this thing clicking at a fast pace, and thanks to fine turns from John Turturro (as a bitter ex-contestant who is intent on bringing the studio down after they wrongfully deceive him), Ralph Fiennes (as a hot-shot college professor who can not be beaten), and Paul Scofield (as Fiennes very accomplished, caring father) this story is anchored masterfully all the way to its end. The only thing it is really missing is the dramatic punch its finale sets us up for, but being that Redford is aiming for subtlety, I can understand why he decided to not potentially overplay his cards. Overall, a fantastic exercise in moral dilemmas and the seedy underbelly of the television industry, even at its seemingly rich, innocent beginnings.

• Jay H

  
  A dramatization of the quiz show scandal of the late 1950s involving contestants being fed answers on the popular program "Twenty-One", "Quiz Show" is a well-made, entertaining film with an all-star cast. But it's not much more than that. The film is able to… More
  A dramatization of the quiz show scandal of the late 1950s involving contestants being fed answers on the popular program "Twenty-One", "Quiz Show" is a well-made, entertaining film with an all-star cast. But it's not much more than that. The film is able to capture the viewer's attention for a couple hours and hold it there, and for that it should be commended, but the theme it tries to drive down throughout the film just doesn't ring true in modern day. The film's anti-television message works well in the time period in which the film is set -- the late 1950s -- but not when the film was actually made, 1994, or especially now. Without a doubt, it's an entertaining, intriguing, well-made film, and it's certainly worthy of the Academy Award nominations it earned, but there's no "wow factor" to the film.

• Jameson W

  
  An excellent film! A new favorite of mine. I knew very little about the film, but the title intrigued me...Quiz Show, it sounded interesting, and it really was. The film is about the Twenty-One Quiz Show scandal of the 1950's...i had never heard of the scandals. The first… More
  An excellent film! A new favorite of mine. I knew very little about the film, but the title intrigued me...Quiz Show, it sounded interesting, and it really was. The film is about the Twenty-One Quiz Show scandal of the 1950's...i had never heard of the scandals. The first thing that stood out to me was the great cast. This film is acted to perfection! The whole cast: John Turturro, Rob Morrow, David Paymer, Hank Azaria, all give solid performances...but for me Paul Scofield and Ralph Fiennes were excellent. They really gave a higher level of emotion to the film, the characters felt more real to me. Even when I knew who the bad guys were and I knew that what certain characters were doing was wrong, I still felt for them. The actors also did a great job of portraying the intense conflict that arises from lies and greed. Paul Scofield definitely deserved his Oscar nomination, and I even think Ralph Fiennes was overlooked and deserved a nomination as well; he gives a fantastic performance! Another thing I loved was the overall feel and atmosphere of the film. The cinematography was excellent; the 1950's atmosphere was very good. The costumes, lighting, props, sets...this film is extremely well done. Also, the writing and direction is great. Robert Redford is a great director, and he does not dissappoint here...Quiz Show is a near perfect film for me, and this is the second film of his that is among my all-time favorites. As for the script, it was excellent and felt very real. It is well worthy of its Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay! 1994 was such a great year for film...Pulp Fiction, The Shawshank Redemption, Forrest Gump, but also Quiz Show! This is a brilliant film that I absolutely recommend it. The cast, script, cinematography, message, conflict, story...everything about it is great! Nominated for 4 Academy Awards, see this movie. I absolutely loved it!

• moon r

  
  Smart and hip inside look into the time before television took over the world. "It's just entertainment."

• Fernando Rafael Q

  
  Carefully recreates the 50's atmosphere. A visual treat. The performance by John Turturro is astonishing, and it deserved, at least, an Oscar nomination. Great supporting turns from Ralph Fiennes and Rob Morrow. Actually, the whole cast is solid, no matter how small or big the… More
  Carefully recreates the 50's atmosphere. A visual treat. The performance by John Turturro is astonishing, and it deserved, at least, an Oscar nomination. Great supporting turns from Ralph Fiennes and Rob Morrow. Actually, the whole cast is solid, no matter how small or big the part. Great effort from director Robert Redford.

• Anthony L

  
  A brilliant and stylish film, based on real life events. John Turturro?s performance is particularly good!

• Tim S

  
  Great film, very compelling.

• Derek D

  
  Not overly long, which is good, but not completely 100% interesting. Loses steam at times, but has great acting from Fiennes, Turturro, Paymer and Azaria with a small role from Martin Scorcese. Plus Mira Sorvino is in this and who wouldn't want to married to her? Yummy!… More
  Not overly long, which is good, but not completely 100% interesting. Loses steam at times, but has great acting from Fiennes, Turturro, Paymer and Azaria with a small role from Martin Scorcese. Plus Mira Sorvino is in this and who wouldn't want to married to her? Yummy! Anyway....any other year it would've dominated but in 1994 it went up against the Forrest Gump train...and Pulp Fiction...and The Shawshank Redemption...get it? Just bad timing.

• Tim S

  
  A well crafted film from top to bottom. The acting was great across the board. I loved the scenes between Fiennes and Scofield, but Paymer stole every scene he was in.

• Candy R

  
  True story about a 1950s TV game show that is rigged. Still happens today! A little show in parts but good performance from Ralph Fiennes.

• Michael S

  
  In my eye's...a perfect film.

• Lafe F

  
  An interesting visit to 1950's TV gameshow studio land. There are intersting plot developments, captured nicely.

• Steve K

  
  Would rate higher without Rob Morrow's horrible accent.

• Drew S

  
  I was positive that this would end up becoming one of my favorite movies for almost the entire run through...but then, with twenty minutes left to spare, I just completely lost interest. I don't know what it was. Nothing about the film, be it the characters or the plot, were… More
  I was positive that this would end up becoming one of my favorite movies for almost the entire run through...but then, with twenty minutes left to spare, I just completely lost interest. I don't know what it was. Nothing about the film, be it the characters or the plot, were really captivating me anymore. My mind started to wander; I counted each minute go by on the DVD clock. I'm really not sure why this started to happen. I suppose Quiz Show had finally worn out its welcome. The movie is damn interesting almost the entire time, but it feels like it's saying the same things over and over again in the home stretch. The ending is really underwhelming, and that's a total shame. I also feel a little guilty for liking Ralph Fiennes's character far more than John Turturro's; I don't know whether I SHOULD feel that way or not. I guess that's how the movie wanted you to react. Charles Van Doren is a man of massive charisma...Herb Stempel, not so much. Either way, both performances are excellent. Once again, I really regret that the ending wasn't a little more interesting, but when you do a movie based on a true story I guess there's only so much creative liberty you can take... By the way, Ralph Fiennes is hot.

• Sean D

  
  Robert Redford has been a hit or miss director. He has directed some iffy movies, like Lions for Lambs, and some pure masterpieces, Ordinary People which is undoubtedly his best. Quiz Show, though, is a very good example of Redford at his peak. He commands some great performances from… More
  Robert Redford has been a hit or miss director. He has directed some iffy movies, like Lions for Lambs, and some pure masterpieces, Ordinary People which is undoubtedly his best. Quiz Show, though, is a very good example of Redford at his peak. He commands some great performances from his actors and opens us up to a side of television in the 50â(TM)s rarely seen. Quiz Show is based on the real story of a 1950â(TM)s game show rigged for the sake of ratings. The whole thing becomes blown open when a bitter Jewish contestant calls foul on the hosts of a game show for bringing in a gentile contestant the viewers can look up to. The movie is mostly an acting duel between John Turturro as the resentful Jewish contestant from the Bronx who was cheated, and Ralph Fiennes, the rich son of a successful writer and poet (a magnificent John Scofield). These two deliver powerful performances that really make you question who you can trust and who is telling the truth. There are also many great small roles (keep an eye out for Martin Scorcese as one of the TV executives). The movie isnâ(TM)t anywhere near as moving or as hard hitting as Ordinary People, but there are moments that keep you enthralled and engaged. The plotting to overthrow Turturroâ(TM)s character, the birthday party for Scofieldâ(TM)s character, and the final Senate Committee scene are ones that are wrought with tension that Redford handles greatly. Overall, this was an enjoyable movie. This is definitely a much underrated movie and one that is definitely one of Redfordâ(TM)s best. The acting performances will reel you in and the plot will keep you interested and wondering all the time.

• Daniel P

  
  <i>Fifty million pepole watched, but no one saw a thing.</i> <p>A superb morality tail and political expose, featuring three stunning performances - John Turturro as reigning champion Herbie Stempel, Ralph Fiennes as Charles Van Doren (nervy charisma personified) and… More
  <i>Fifty million pepole watched, but no one saw a thing.</i> <p>A superb morality tail and political expose, featuring three stunning performances - John Turturro as reigning champion Herbie Stempel, Ralph Fiennes as Charles Van Doren (nervy charisma personified) and Rob Morrow as the congressional investigator, trying to find out if the quiz show has been rigged. Robert Redford's directions is assured and effortless, the screenplay is a little bland but does the job, and the music score is magnificent. Considering that, on the surface, this is just a film about a crooked television programme, <i>Quiz Show</i> is gripping and reflective viewing.

• Andrew F

  
  <i>Quiz Show</i> is a very entertaining film about, well... quiz shows. Though the film takes itself a little too seriously and the end drags somewhat, it is a marvelously crafted and acted movie that will become a classic.

• Alec B

  
  Quiz show is a character study first and a period piece second which is why it works so well. Redford really nailed this one in his directing. Ray Fiennes is a great actor and I love when he gets really meaty roles like this one. John Turturro was robbed of an oscar nomination in his… More
  Quiz show is a character study first and a period piece second which is why it works so well. Redford really nailed this one in his directing. Ray Fiennes is a great actor and I love when he gets really meaty roles like this one. John Turturro was robbed of an oscar nomination in his great performance as well. Quiz Show studies their characters, but it also studies the American character as a whole. Our love of television and money is almost put on trial here.

• Marcus W

  
  Any film about corrupt television studios is immediately in the long, tall shadow of Network. This is a good film, and it takes a few nibbles, but without sharper teeth it can't hope to compete with Lumet's masterpiece.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings