As much as I admired Paul Scoffield , I think John Torturro... - Quiz Show (1994) Discussion

[–] rudeboy_murray 14 years ago

I think the Academy picked the correct actor. Turturro was very good in a deliberately whiney, one-note performance - but I thought Scofield, in just a few minutes of screentime, stole the film with a beaurifully judged, deeply moving performance. The 'your name is mine' scene - rightfully selected as his Oscar clip - is a wonderful moment.

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[–] glenn_sw20 14 years ago

I agree with you, Mensha.

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[–] wallsofjericho 14 years ago

I used to favour Turturro more, but I agree with rudeboy murray, that Scofield's performance holds up much better. I think his nomination was deserved

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[–] choyt19 13 years ago

I agree completely. Incredible performance.

------Jesus loves you, but only as a friend.------

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[–] april_rain 12 years ago

I disagree. John Torturro has given oscar-worthy performances but this isn't one of them. He just took "loud and annoying" up several notches.
As the second poster has explained, Paul Scoffield's performance was indeed the best. He upstaged Ralph Fiennes in all their scenes together, which is something we would expect, given the nature of their roles.

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[–] MrsAlSwearengen 12 years ago

I have to chime in here and agree with those who think the right man gave the Oscar-worthy performance. Paul Scofield slam-dunked it. He was a remarkable actor who could make the simplest line shine like a diamond.

Man will never be free until the last king is strangled by the last priest

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[–] 12 years ago

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[–] chas437 12 years ago

I agree, Paul Scofield gave the finest performance in a film filled with great, memorable performances. Scofield would have won best supporting actor in 9 out of ten years. It was his bad luck to be up against Martin Landau's Bela Lugosi from "Ed Wood". Landau's performance was one of the greatest in film history.

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[–] Hancock_the_Superb 12 years ago

Scofield is rarely less than excellent and this movie's no exception. Watching him and Ralph Fiennes go at it throughout the film is a real treat.

Turturro is very good but he probably qualified as a lead actor.

"Haven't they replaced you with a coin-operated machine yet?"

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[–] chas437 12 years ago

Regarding Turturro, I believe his role would be classified as a supporting role. I thought his performance merited nomination in that categroy, although Scofield was just amazing. The leads were Ralph Fiennes and Rob Morrow, who both give solid performances. Tremendous film, with nearly perfect casting and acting.

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[–] nutsberryfarm 10 years ago

scofield rules. even tho, sometimes. in this. movie. he sounds. like. his voice is a. halting. automated voice. you hear on the. subway.

'I'm not making art, I'm making sushi.'-Masaharu Morimoto

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[–] chas437 10 years ago

That's the way poets and. Colombia Lit Professors. spoke. in the. 1950's.? His performance was a highlight for me.

I'm a civilian, I'm not a trout

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[–] nutsberryfarm 10 years ago

cool. just saw him in 'the train' last week. great in that too.

'I'm not making art, I'm making sushi.'-Masaharu Morimoto

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[–] stones78 10 years ago

I thought the father acted too pretentious.

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[–] Chipmaniac 8 years ago

That was the character. He was an intellectual, something in the age of Twitter people have forgotten about.

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[–] 8 years ago

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[–] ameckert2000 8 years ago

I agree. Paul Scoffield was subtle and brilliant. However, the performance of Herb Stempl was amazing and one of the most memorable performances I have ever seen. He was perfect as the character. His scenes were great. I was shocked after I saw the movie that he wasn't nominated.

Again, I say this with all due respect to Mr. Scoffield who was just as wonderful in a very different part.

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[–] wainot 7 years ago

I agree with you.

I'm a huge fan of Quiz Show, and still can't decide how much I liked both Fiennes and Morrow in their roles, but Torturro and Scofield both were outstanding. Paymer, Azaria (who's always great) and Rich were all terrific as well.

Gun to my head? If I could only nominate one supporting performance, and if Torturro is considered supporting, he would get my nod.

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[–] MissMargoChanning (6630) 7 years ago

Torturro was quite good, but Scoffield would be my pick.
I like this movie very much. I just watched it again this afternoon. I always liked Paul Scoffield and Ralph Fiennes as father and son in this. I believed them. I always like the scene where Fiennes is there at home at night eating cake. He almost tells his father what was going on but he just can't bring himself to do it. His father knows that there is something troubling him. They end up sharing the piece of cake. It just seems so natural.

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