The Films of Gene Hackman Trivia Quiz

Answer: Unforgiven

Hackman won an Oscar for his role as Little Bill Daggett in this film that was also directed by Eastwood. It became an instant classic when it was released, and is one of my favorite Westerns of all time. Eastwood won praise for his direction, which used many of the same elements found in any Western, while at the same time blurring the traditional lines between "good" and "evil" that are usually so definite and obvious in not only most Westerns, but in many films period. We can wince at the level of violence used by Hackman's character to maintain law and order, while at the same time understanding and almost respecting it. Eastwood's protagonist character, on the other hand, has many, many demons in his past that he's tried desperately to overcome.

It's a testament to the writing, directing, and acting in this film that we can't rush to judgment on the true nature of these characters.

Answer: Another Woman

Hackman had a supporting role in this Woody Allen drama. The star of the movie was Gena Rowlands, playing Marion Post, as a middle-aged woman looking back on her past, reflecting on the decisions made then that have determined who she is now. Hackman played Larry Lewis, a passionate lover from Marion's past, whose affection she rejects.

Answer: Heartbreakers

This movie also starred Sigourney Weaver and Jennifer Love Hewitt as the con team, and Ray Liotta as one of their victims. It's not the funniest comedy you'll ever see, but I'd recommend it just to watch Hackman playing Tensy as you might expect W.C. Fields to play him. From the red nose to the outlandish wardrobe, the chain-smoking Tensy is just hilarious.

Answer: Under Suspicion

Freeman plays Capt. Victor Benezet, the police officer questioning Hackman's character about the recent rape and murders of young women in the town of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Hearst has reported one of the murders, and what starts out as a routine follow-up to his report to tie up loose ends, slowly unravels to reveal more about Hearst than anyone had suspected.

It's a very taut, intense whodunit, with wonderful performances by Hackman and Freeman.

Answer: Full Moon in Blue Water

Floyd's wife disappeared in a swimming accident more than a year ago, and Floyd has been in a severe state of grief ever since, still not quite letting himself believe that she's dead. He still runs the bar that he and his wife used to run together, but since she went missing has basically let it run into the ground. Meredith plays his father-in-law, known as The General, who suffers from Alzheimer's and lives with Floyd.

Answer: Under Fire

Nick Nolte stars as a star photographer covering the civil war there. He tries to remain neutral and avoid taking sides (citizens versus the Nicaraguan army), but soon finds out that he can no longer idly stand by and watch the carnage against the people. Hackman plays Alex Grazier, a reporter friend of Nolte's that has to help hide him from the army.

Answer: Get Shorty

The film centers around John Travolta's character, Chili Palmer, a Miami loan shark, who is tracking down a dry-cleaner that owes $300,000 to his boss. He ends up following him all the way out to Los Angeles, and while he's out there, he shows up in the middle of the night at the home of Hackman's character, Harry Zimm, a slimy movie producer, to intimidate him into repaying a gambling debt. Chili has always had dreams of making it in Hollywood, and over the course of their meeting in the producer's house, he makes a pitch to Harry for a movie based on this latest debt-collecting adventure of his. Harry has been able to make a successful living as a producer, but has never really made it to the "big time" with respectable fare, but instead has produced B-list titles such as "The Slime People".

The movie has a very intricate plot with many more characters and perspectives. This is not one of my favorite Hackman films mainly just because I'm personally not a big fan of Travolta or Russo, but it's a lot of fun watching Hackman's sleazy movie producer. Hackman works equally effectively in comedies and dramas, not an easy feat.

Answer: The Mexican

Hackman plays Arnold Margolese, a mafioso that hires Brad Pitt's character, Jerry, to retrieve a priceless gun that he's desperate to own. Hackman just has a small part in this one, but the real treat is the quirky relationship between Julia Roberts and James Gandolfini.

Answer: Wyatt Earp

Hackman starred as Nicholas Earp, brother to Kevin Costner's Wyatt, with Quaid playing Doc Holliday. I would definitely recommend "Tombstone" from 1993, with Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp and a fabulous Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday, over this one.

Answer: Bat*21

Hackman played Lt. Col. Iceal Hambleton, an Air Force colonel who is shot down in his plane, and is trying to survive after getting trapped behind enemy lines during the Vietnam War.