Erin Halls Smart, Deceitful and RuthlessA historically accurate and entertaining film, Robert Redford's Quiz Show is about the lies and deceit of reality television back in the 1950's. The two main characters are Herbie Stempel, a contestant who is unbeatable, but is pressured by NBC executives, Dan Enright and Albert Freedman, to lose to charismatic, Charles Van Doren. The movie progress with Richard "Dick" Goodwin trying to uncover the truth behind the quiz shows.The Quiz Show is an scrutinizing, remorseless portrayal of the American people. Charles Van Doren is willing to cheat to try and receive attention from his father and when he fails to do that he settles for the attention of the American people. Herbie Stempel is socially awkward, which make him willing to cheat for fame and recognition. Recognition of the fact that he was very intelligent, intelligence which he prided himself on. Richard Goodwin is a naive, newly graduated law student who thinks that law will bring justice to the corrupt system of reality television. Dan Enright and Albert Freedman are businessmen to their core, selling the product of reality television. Reality television wasn't about providing recognition to those who deserved it but selling the idea of money to the American people. They knew people watched the shows for the money and not for the questions, so instead of making the show about knowledge they made it about gaining the most viewers providing viewers with the most interesting contestants. The motives behind each of these characters makes them relatable to the audience, making viewers care about them and the plot. The whole movie in general was very real, the setting of 1950s America was very accurate, besides a few minor details. In general, the actors did phenomenal jobs portraying their characters, Ralph Fiennes execution of Charles Van Doren and David Paymer portrayal of Dan Enright were amazing, on the other hand John Turturro's representation of Herbie Stempel felt like a caricature.Paul Attanasio's screenplay is witty, smart, subtle yet ruthless, utilizes the power of foreshadowing and full of memorable dialogue. Despite it's failure in the box office, it's a critically acclaimed movie that is a must see for all.

nybred4 Herb Stemple (played by John Tutoro--damn near perfectly) is confronted by a reporter shortly after pretty guy Charles Van Doren pours his heart out to some bullshit gov't committee The reporter asks Stempel to take a photo with Ralph Fiennes (Van Doren) Stempel then says to the reporter, right outside the hearing "You know what the problem with you bums is? You never leave a guy alone unless you're leaving him alone. "" It's a clever Yogi-ism. I saw, along with less than 5% of the moviegoers, director Robert Redford, leaving the viewer practically zero latitude as to the important statement the movie made. Like Elia Kazan's "Gemtleman's Agreement" Redford howls of man's inability to not only do the right thing, but man's ability to cherry pic when his brief irruption of acute imbeclitis renders him unable to even see what clearly is the right thing or glaringly moral path. So then, my new favorite quote for now is, YOU NEVER LEAVE A GUY ALONE, UNLESS YOU'RE LEAVING HIM ALONE. Ain't it da truth?

thinker1691 From exceptional Actor/Director, Robert Redford, comes this insightful but true story called " Quiz Show. " Based on the book written by Richard N. Goodwin, it entails the revealing truth concerning the quiz shows of Early Television. Taken from the pages of Goodwin's book it relates how a weekly prize winner but, later disgruntle loser, like Herbie Stempel (John Turturro) a Jewish contestant became an overnight success, winning a great deal of fame and fortune on a weekly T.V. show called '21.' Loosing ratings, he is selected by network corporate sponsors and studio heads to be replaced by a youthful handsome, more personable and attractive contestant named Charles Van Doren (Ralph Fiennes). Reluctant to know the inner secrets of the game, Van Doren, is surprised to learn he is to be given the answer to the hidden questions before they are asked, he initially refuses. However due to the flux of fame and money, he succumbs to pressures and plays the rigged game. However, when government oversight official Dick Goodwin, (Rob Morrow) begins to investigate suspected fraud, everyone involved feigns ignorance of possible cheating. Through diligence and persistent questioning, Goodwin eventually discovers multiple layers of deception and clumsy attempts of corruptions and makes a good attempt to bring down N.B.C.'s executives. The movie is superbly directed and the cast is equally superior in their quest to excel. As it result this movie becomes a Classic and the cast which includes Paul Scofield, David Paymer and Martin Scorcese makes it what it is, a winner. Easily recommended. ****

Tim Krauss This film makes you question what you see and hear, especially via the television. In the grander scheme it seems to highlight corporate power and big business propaganda delivered through the newest and most popular medium. The photography and costume design are virtually perfect for a time period piece and allows you to see, despite the clothing and material things, how corrupt so many of our institutions are, at the expense of a very trusting public. Ralph Fiennes and John Turturro are outstanding, but the casting and acting are so excellent in this film that anyone involved in this film should be proud of. There is no better film that shows the world what America is very much like.