Movie Madness #2 Trivia Quiz

Answer: Wild Reeds

'Wild Reeds' starred the wonderful Gaël Morel as Francois, who went on to become an important French director in his own right. Stéphane Rideau who appeared as Serge in 'Wild Reeds' later appeared in many of Morel's own films.

Answer: Mel Brooks

Joseph Merrick or "The Elephant Man" was a real person, living in London in the late 1800s and suffering from a rare disease which left most of his body terribly deformed. The film's designers used actual casts of Merrick's skeleton to create the astonishing full-body make-up worn by John Hurt in the film.

It took 12 hours to apply, and was so difficult to move in, it prompted Hurt to call his wife saying, "I think they finally managed to make me hate acting."

Answer: it was the first film ever to receive acting Oscars for its entire credited cast (Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress)

The entire credited cast were nominated, but only Taylor and Dennis won their awards. The film did receive a nomination in every eligible category, but amazingly lost the awards for Best Picture and Best Director (to the vastly inferior 'A Man For All Seasons'). Sadly, it is true that Sandy Dennis lost her baby during filming.

Answer: Before Sunrise

The characters Jesse and Celine are played by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, and Linklater rivisited them yet again in 2004's 'Before Sunset'. 'Waking Life' was shot on hand-held video cameras, then rotoscope animated, and transferred to 35mm film, giving it a unique and very dreamlike look.

Answer: the film originally featured the title: 'Jesus Christ's Lust For Glory', before the studio insisted it be changed

While making 'Monty Python And The Holy Grail', a reporter asked what the Pythons' next project would be. Eric Idle flippantly quipped, "Jesus Christ's Lust For Glory". However, the film never actually featured this title at any point in its production.

Answer: River Phoenix

The brilliant River Phoenix delivers the best work of his career in this understated character-driven drama. Nominated for an Academy Award, his performance in 'Running On Empty' stands as a sad reminder of what a spectacular career he may have had, if not for his untimely death.

Answer: Cat Stevens

'Harold and Maude' features the wonderful Ruth Gordon as Maude, and Bud Cort as Harold. Cort was later offered the role of Billy Bibbit in 'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest', but turned it down (it went to Brad Dourif) for fear that he would become type-cast as crazy.

Answer: Alfonso Cuarón

The first two Potter flicks were directed by Chris Columbus. Del Toro was offered 'The Prisoner Of Azkaban' but opted to make 'Hellboy' instead.

Answer: Edward Scissorhands

This film features Vincent Price in his final screen appearance. During the scene where his character dies, Price actually fainted on-set, and Burton used the take as he liked the morbidity of it. Tom Cruise and Robert Downey Jr. were both considered for the role of Edward, before Burton gave it to Johnny Depp - the beginning of a recurring and often brilliant creative partnership.

Answer: Buddhism

The boy lives in a floating hut on a secluded lake in the mountains, under the guidance of an ageing monk. As the years and seasons pass, we see the student learn important lessons, make terrible mistakes, and ultimately find redemption through struggle.

I hope you've enjoyed the quiz. If you're a cinema-fan and haven't seen any of these movies, they are all well worth seeking out.
With thanks to the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com).