honesty for its own sake

Rating: 9/10 (16 March 2004)

This may be Bill Clinton's least favorite movie, because it argues that honesty is essential even if there isn't much at stake. The central question of the film - are quiz shows dishonest, and if so, is that really a problem? - may seem like small potatoes by Hollywood's standards, but this modest scale is actually what makes "Quiz Show" work so well. Lies - even little ones - should not be tolerated, right...?
The peripheral issues are interesting as well. The movie has a lot to say about image perception and prejudice; poor John Turturro, who plays a homely Jewish character, is bumped off the quiz program and replaced by handsome Protestant boy Ralph Fiennes. The nature of intellectualism and entertainment is another area of focus - do we watch quiz programs because we like smart people, or because we like suspense and high money stakes?
Despite these great concepts, and wonderful performances from all concerned (especially Paul Scofield), "Quiz Show" is missing a little something - dare I call it "pep?" The film is oh-so-slightly slow. And it tends to raise more questions than it answers, which is of course perfectly legitimate, but it can leave viewers frustrated. "Quiz Show" makes American society look pretty damn shallow and obnoxious - advertisers and showmen are in complete control here. And that's rather depressing. The movie doesn't go very far beyond pointing out such harsh realities, but then again, maybe there's nowhere left for it to go.