A superb film: the best I've seen in recent years.

Rating: 10/10 (31 August 1999)

Paul Attanasio's screenplay is taut, intelligent, subtle, beautifully paced. This is a morality play, the offenders being not only the contestants and their producers, but also the sponsor, the network and ultimately the quiz show audience. And it's not over until the scene that accompanies the final credits. The acting at every level, from principals through other important characters to bit parts, is outstanding. Ralph Fiennes conveys the charm, intelligence, poise and moral weakness of the Van Doren character. John Turturro and Rob Morrow are excellent foils, playing roles that are not quite as difficult with great skill. The two producers are a smoothly choreographed duo, like a veteran pair of used-car salesmen. Paul Scofield is deft and authoritative as Van Doren's father. All in all, a delight to watch, again and again.