Pictures At A Revolution by Mark Harris
- 1. Pictures At A Revolution by Mark Harris is an insightful exploration of the radical transformation that occurred in the American film industry during the late 1960s, particularly focusing on the year 1967, a pivotal moment when traditional cinematic narratives were challenged by a new wave of filmmakers. Harris crafts a narrative that not only chronicles the stories behind the five films nominated for the Best Picture Oscar that year—'Bonnie and Clyde,' 'Dr. Dolittle,' 'The Graduate,' 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner,' and 'In the Heat of the Night'—but also delves into the cultural and social upheavals of the time, examining how these films reflected and shaped the national consciousness. The book highlights the fierce competition and contrasting visions of cinema among various industry players, illustrating how the Academy Awards became a battleground for conflicting ideologies, from the safe, conventional storytelling of Hollywood's old guard to the audacious, often controversial narratives being pushed by a new generation of filmmakers. Harris's meticulous research and engaging prose bring to life the personalities involved, the artistic struggles facing filmmakers, and the broader societal issues at stake, making 'Pictures At A Revolution' an essential read for anyone interested in the history of American cinema and the evolution of storytelling during a time of great change.
Which two films from the 1967 Best Picture nominees represented the old Hollywood system?
A) Bonnie and Clyde and The Graduate
B) In the Heat of the Night and Bonnie and Clyde
C) Doctor Dolittle and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
D) The Graduate and Doctor Dolittle
- 2. Which film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1967?
A) Doctor Dolittle
B) In the Heat of the Night
C) The Graduate
D) Bonnie and Clyde
- 3. Who directed 'The Graduate'?
A) Norman Jewison
B) Stanley Kramer
C) Arthur Penn
D) Mike Nichols
- 4. Who starred as Benjamin Braddock in 'The Graduate'?
A) Warren Beatty
B) Sidney Poitier
C) Dustin Hoffman
D) Rex Harrison
- 5. Who played Clyde Barrow in 'Bonnie and Clyde'?
A) Rex Harrison
B) Sidney Poitier
C) Warren Beatty
D) Dustin Hoffman
- 6. What was Rex Harrison's attitude during the making of 'Doctor Dolittle'?
A) Difficult and demanding
B) Uninvolved and distant
C) Collaborative and easygoing
D) Enthusiastic about the material
- 7. What was the significance of 1967 in Hollywood history according to Harris?
A) The introduction of color film
B) The birth of the studio system
C) The peak of silent film popularity
D) A turning point between old and new Hollywood
- 8. Which film featured the famous line 'I want to say one word to you, just one word: plastics'?
A) In the Heat of the Night
B) Bonnie and Clyde
C) Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
D) The Graduate
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