Young Stars of the Silver Screen Quiz

Answer: Matt Damon

The romantic comedy-drama "Mystic Pizza" (1988) tells the story of three young women who work in a pizza parlour in the small coastal town of Mystic, Connecticut. Matt Damon plays a very small role as Steamer, the younger brother of one of the main character's dates. Although it's a brief appearance, this was Damon's film debut, marking his first step into the film industry.

In the war drama "Courage Under Fire" (1996), Damon plays Specialist Ilario, a young soldier whose story is central to an investigation into the actions of a female pilot during the Gulf War. To portray Ilario's gaunt appearance, Damon underwent a dramatic physical transformation, losing a significant amount of weight, which demonstrated his dedication to his craft and caught Hollywood's attention.

In "The Rainmaker" (1997), Damon stars as Rudy Baylor, a recent law school graduate who takes on a challenging case against a powerful insurance company. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, this legal drama gave Damon his first major leading role and allowed him to shine in a more complex, nuanced character, solidifying his potential as a leading man.

The photo shows a hunting scene and refers to "Good Will Hunting" (1997), Damon's real breakthrough, which he co-wrote with his friend Ben Affleck and starred in as Will Hunting, a troubled but brilliant young janitor at MIT. The film became an unexpected success, earning Damon and Affleck an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and establishing Damon as a serious actor in Hollywood. His heartfelt performance and compelling story catapulted him to fame and marked the beginning of a prolific career.

Answer: Jennifer Lawrence

In "Garden Party" (2008), Jennifer Lawrence appears as Tiff, a troubled teenager in Los Angeles who becomes entangled in the lives of others in her search for direction and belonging. Although her role is relatively small, it was one of her earliest experiences in film.

In "The Poker House" (2008), Lawrence plays Agnes, a young girl trying to survive in a chaotic, dysfunctional household. Her portrayal of Agnes, a role based on director Lori Petty's own life, was more demanding and allowed Lawrence to showcase her dramatic range, even in her early career.

In "The Burning Plain" (2008), Lawrence has a supporting role as Mariana, a young girl caught up in a complex family tragedy. Directed by Guillermo Arriaga, the film's intense subject matter gave her another opportunity to explore deeper emotions, setting her apart as a promising young actress.

The snowy landscape on the photo is a reference to "Winter's Bone" (2010). This gritty independent film marked Lawrence's breakthrough, starring as Ree Dolly, a determined teenager who travels the Ozarks in search of her missing father. Her powerful performance earned her an Oscar nomination and established her as one of Hollywood's leading talents.

Answer: Renée Zellweger

In "Dazed and Confused" (1993), Renée Zellweger appears in a small, uncredited role as the girl in the blue truck in this coming-of-age film about high school students on the last day of school in the 1970s. Although her part is small, the film gave her early experience on a set.

In "Reality Bites" (1994), Zellweger has another small, uncredited role as Tami, appearing briefly in this film about the post-college struggles of Generation X. Although she wasn't in the spotlight, appearances in popular films like this helped her build her career.

In "Empire Records" (1995), Zellweger plays Gina, a rebellious employee at an independent record store. This was one of her first roles with more screen time and allowed her to show her comedic side, which got her noticed by casting directors.

The photo hints at "Bridget Jones's Diary" (2001), in which Renée Zellweger starred as the title character, Bridget, a thirty-something single woman navigating the challenges of life, love and career in London. Her performance earned her critical acclaim and established her as a major Hollywood actress.

Answer: Elijah Wood

In the family drama "The War" (1994), Elijah Wood plays Stu Simmons, a young boy growing up in Mississippi in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. His character experiences the challenges of family conflict and resilience, marking one of Wood's early roles in a serious film.

In "Flipper" (1996), Wood stars as Sandy Ricks, a teenager who forms a bond with a dolphin while spending the summer with his uncle in the Florida Keys. The adventure film introduced Wood to a wider family audience and added variety to his early career.

The disaster film "Deep Impact" (1998) follows the story of a comet on a collision course with Earth. Wood plays Leo Biederman, a teenager who first discovers the comet and sets in motion the film's global narrative. The role made him one of the most remarkable young actors in Hollywood at the time.

The photo shows rings, a reference to "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" (2001), Wood's breakthrough role. In the film, he plays Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who goes on a quest to destroy the One Ring. The role introduced Wood to an international audience and became one of the most defining parts of his career.

Answer: Tobey Maguire

In the thriller "Joyride" (1997), Tobey Maguire plays J.T., a young man who goes on a road trip with two friends that takes a dangerous turn. This early role showed Maguire in a suspenseful environment as he made the transition from television to feature films.

In "Pleasantville" (1998), Maguire stars as David, a teenager who, along with his sister, is transported to a 1950s black-and-white television show. His character's experience of introducing colour and modern ideas to the town explores themes of change and individuality, earning Maguire critical acclaim in this unique fantasy comedy.

In "The Cider House Rules" (1999), Maguire portrays Homer Wells, an orphan raised by a doctor in a Maine orphanage during World War II. The film, directed by Lasse Hallström and based on the novel by John Irving, follows Homer as he ventures into the world beyond the orphanage. This role brought Maguire further recognition in a serious dramatic context.

The photo shows a spider's web, a reference to "Spider-Man" (2002), Maguire's big break. In this film he plays Peter Parker, a young man who gains superpowers after being bitten by a genetically modified spider. The role brought Maguire international fame and established him as a leading actor in Hollywood.

Answer: Charlize Theron

In "Trial and Error" (1997), Charlize Theron has a minor role as a secretary. The film, a comedy directed by Jonathan Lynn, stars Jeff Daniels and Michael Richards. This was one of her early appearances in Hollywood, offering little opportunity for her to showcase her talents but marking the beginning of her film career.

In "The Devil's Advocate" (1997), Theron portrays Mary Ann Lomax, the wife of a young lawyer played by Keanu Reeves, who becomes embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle against a powerful, morally corrupt law firm led by Al Pacino. Although her role is central to the emotional core of the film, Theron is still in a supporting role, contributing to the darker, psychological elements of the plot. The film helped raise her profile in Hollywood, but it was still not a breakthrough role.

In "Reindeer Games" (2000), Theron plays a woman named Ashley who becomes romantically involved with a man (Ben Affleck) involved in a robbery. This action thriller saw Theron in a more prominent role, using her looks and charm to manipulate those around her. Although the film was not a major critical success, Theron's performance was seen as a step forward in her career, giving her more visibility as a potential leading lady.

The photo refers to "Monster" (2003), where Theron's portrayal of Aileen Wuornos, a real-life serial killer, marked a significant change in her acting career. Theron's performance was widely acclaimed and won her numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actress. The role established her as a leading lady in Hollywood and demonstrated her ability to take on complex and challenging characters.

Answer: Regina King

In "Boyz n the Hood" (1991), Regina King made her film debut in a supporting role as Shalika, a spirited friend in this influential drama about life in South Central Los Angeles. Although her role was limited, King's appearance in the critically acclaimed film opened doors for future opportunities in the industry and allowed her to demonstrate her ability for both humour and emotional depth.

In "Poetic Justice" (1993), King plays Iesha, the outspoken and vivacious friend of the protagonist Justice, portrayed by Janet Jackson. The film, directed by John Singleton, gave King a bit more screen time and showcased her comedic timing as well as her dramatic talent. Her role as Iesha helped solidify her presence in Hollywood, particularly in roles that combined lighthearted and serious elements.

In "Friday" (1995), King appears as Dana, the strong-willed sister of Ice Cube's character Craig. Although a small role, King's performance in this cult classic comedy contributed to her reputation as a versatile actress who could bring authenticity to both comedic and dramatic roles in urban settings. Friday became an icon of American pop culture, contributing to her growing popularity.

The photo refers to "If Beale Street Could Talk" (2018), in which King portrayed Sharon Rivers, the devoted mother of a young woman fighting to clear her fiancé's name in 1970s Harlem. King's powerful performance in this James Baldwin adaptation earned her widespread critical acclaim and the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The role was a major milestone in her career, showcasing her ability to convey intense emotion and cementing her status as one of Hollywood's most respected actresses.

Answer: Johnny Depp

In "A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984), Johnny Depp plays Glen Lantz, a teenage boy who becomes one of Freddy Krueger's victims. This was Depp's first significant film role and marked his entry into the horror genre. Although his character's screen time is limited and he is ultimately killed by the infamous villain, the film's success helped introduce Depp to a wider audience and set the stage for his future in Hollywood.

In "Private Resort" (1985), Depp portrays Jack, a young man who visits a resort with his friend, leading to a series of comic misadventures. Although this light comedy was not a critical success, it gave Depp another opportunity to demonstrate his acting range in a very different genre. His role was small and the film itself had little lasting impact, but it was a step in his early career that helped him gain more recognition in the entertainment industry.

In "Platoon" (1986), Depp takes on the small role of Private Gator Lerner, a young translator who serves alongside American troops during the Vietnam War. Directed by Oliver Stone, the film was a critical and commercial success, winning several Oscars. Depp's performance as Lerner was small but memorable, reflecting his ability to contribute to powerful ensemble casts early in his career.

The photo refers to "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" (2003), where Depp's portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow made him a global icon. His eccentric and charismatic performance was a standout in the hugely successful film and earned him an Academy Award nomination. The film's success led to several sequels and made Depp one of the most recognised and bankable actors of his generation.

Answer: Amy Adams

In "Drop Dead Gorgeous" (1999), Amy Adams plays a supporting role as Leslie, a beauty pageant contestant in a dark comedy about a small-town beauty pageant. The film is a satire, and Adams' small role marked one of her first appearances in Hollywood, showcasing her comedic timing and earning her recognition as an up-and-coming talent.

In "Psycho Beach Party" (2000), Adams portrays the character of a "beach bunny" named Betty. The film is a campy, offbeat comedy that parodies teen beach movies, and Adams' role, though brief, added to her experience in quirky, independent films during the early stages of her career.

In "The Slaughter Rule" (2002), Amy Adams stars as a cheerleader named Stacy in this independent drama about a troubled young football player. Although her role is relatively small, the film was a notable entry in her early career and showed her ability to handle more dramatic and complex characters.

The photo hints at "Junebug" (2005), a film in which Adams played the role of Ashley, a sweet and naive woman caught up in the complicated dynamics of a family. Her performance in the indie drama was widely praised and earned her her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, marking a significant turning point in her career.

Answer: Harrison Ford

In "Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round" (1966), Harrison Ford appears briefly as a hotel bellboy in this crime comedy about a con man planning a bank robbery. Ford's role is uncredited, making it a supporting part, but it was his first appearance in a Hollywood film and marked the beginning of his career.

In "A Time for Killing" (1967), a Civil War drama, Ford plays an unnamed Union soldier. Again, his role is small and uncredited, contributing little to the main plot. Nevertheless, it was another stepping stone in Ford's early years, adding to his filmography and providing further experience on the set.

In "Journey to Shiloh" (1968), Ford has a more prominent role as Willie Bill Bearden, a young Texan who joins the Confederate army with a group of friends. The film is a western drama that follows these young soldiers as they march to the Civil War battlefield of Shiloh. Ford's role, although not the lead, gave him more screen time and allowed him to delve into a more developed character.

The image is a reference to "Star Wars" (1977), where Ford's role as Han Solo marked his breakthrough in the film industry. His portrayal of the roguish but lovable smuggler in George Lucas' space epic became iconic, making Ford a household name and establishing him as a leading man in Hollywood. The role marked his true breakthrough, leading to a long and successful career and cementing his place in film history.