Al Pacino as "Bobby Deerfield" (1977) Quiz

Answer: From a running water tap

The movie opened with a dream/nightmare sequence, it showed Deerfield as he searched along an empty race track. A driver had been killed in a previous race wreck; he searched to see if he could find anything on the track that might have contributed to the fatal accident.

After he tried to light the cigarette from the running water tap in the bathroom, he disgustedly threw the wet cigarette into the toilet and went back to bed.

Answer: Red

His car was bright red with decals and stickers in various places on the car.
The car was an Alfa Romeo Sprint Veloce. The Formula One racing scenes were filmed at Lemans in France. Other Formula One cars were driven in the film by real-life race drivers Carlos Pace, Tom Pryce, James Hunt, Patrick Depaillier, and Mario Andretti.

Answer: White

It was a one piece jumpsuit coverall, it had a body length zipper and an attached belt. The other drivers and each crew wore similar suits of various colours, no doubt for identification. His girl friend, Lydia, watched him and kissed his scarf and gloves before she handed them to him. He appeared oblivious.

Answer: Goodyear

The opening sequences were awash with color, noise and excitement - a typical situation of anticipation before a race. There were a number of flags, signs and posters all over the screen during the racing sequences. Many companies were advertised: Fina, Martini, BP, Brahma, Malboro, Johnnie Walker, Texaco, and Ford to name a few.

Answer: Bathing

He was taking a bath. He told his brother Leonard not to come to see him, but that he would meet him in a local restaurant. He treated the girl he was living with (Lydia) as though she were invisible. When she told him he was "perfect" his face was expressionless; he just asked her for his car keys.
He treated his brother with the same impatient attitude. He was disinterested in what his brother had to say and placed the photos of his family in New Jersey aside; he showed no interest in them whatever.

Answer: Seiko

This was one time that Deerfield actually showed a little more life.
The movie depicted him as a self-centered egomaniac. His new love (Lillian Morelli) tempted him to relax and be more spontaneous. We did see him dance with her, and witnessed him tell her a sad story from his childhood. The story he admitted was made up. His story was in response to an earlier fabricated story she had told him about how her father had died.

Answer: He ran.

Deerfield was shown running several times during the movie but an explanation why was not mentioned.
Al Pacino had a personal trainer during the movie. The trainer drove him quite hard, and insisted that he run several miles every day. The trainer,
also named Al, was a large man and they became known as 'Big Al' and 'Little Al' as they ran together around the area. One particular run together the trainer led them to a sidewalk cafe. They made a brief stop for refreshment, something Al Pacino appreciated and talked about later.

Answer: Piggy-backed on a train

Several lengthy exchanges between the two main characters were filmed while on these trains. The use of these trains taking them through the tunnels saved travelers hundreds of kilometers. The cinamatographer was able to capture these scenes spectacularly well, showing many differences in lighting and shadows as the train rattled and rolled through the tunnel. The movie was filmed in France, amid scenery that was spectacular.
Scenes filmed at Lemans and at the hot-air balloon display were alive with noise and colour.

Answer: A Hot Air Balloon Race

The noise and vivid colours in these scenes were equal to the opening scenes at Lemans Race Track. Deerfield was angry as he drove recklessly to the airfield. He ranted at Lillian and didn't give her a chance to respond. She begged him to join her, to be spontaneous for once.

He stormed off in a tantrum and returned to his other girl friend, Lydia. Back with Lydia in her apartment, she told him he had been seen with Lillian. She also told him that she had heard that Lillian was terminally ill.

He seemed oblivious to this fact and the news appeared to shock him. He returned to Lillian and spent her final days with her.

Answer: Sidney Pollack

Mr. Pollack has directed many, many wonderful movies, most notably "Tootsie" (1982). He was also a successful producer and actor. He often appeared as a guest actor in several TV series, and movies. A lengthy list of his accomplishments is available at imdb.com. Mr. Pollack passed away May 26th 2008.

All in all, a pleasant movie. Well worth the cost of the DVD to see Al Pacino do an impression of Mae West, and to sing!