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"Shine" On, "Shine" On Trivia Quiz

In 1996, "Shine" came out to critical acclaim and won a slew of awards. How well do you remember this fantastic drama?

A multiple-choice quiz by natalie92630. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
natalie92630

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
161,693

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
172

Awards
Top 35% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. First things first. Was "Shine" based on a real person?

Yes

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Question 2 of 10

2. The movie focuses on David's struggle with one particular piece of music. What is it? Hint

Korsokov's "Flight of the Bumblebee"

Rachmaninov's Third Piano Concerto

Liszt's Eb Concerto

Chopin's Concerto in E Minor

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Question 3 of 10

3. In London, David studied under Cecil Parkes, played by the late great John Gielgud. Cecil could no longer play piano. Why? Hint

His arm was paralyzed.

He had gone deaf.

He had two fingers missing.

He had arthritis.

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Question 4 of 10

4. How many actors play David? Hint

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Question 5 of 10

5. Why does David's father Peter refuse to let his son study in America? Hint

He thinks Americans don't appreciate music.

He disapproves of the study of music.

He doesn't want to break up the family.

He doesn't want David to live with a Jewish family.

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Question 6 of 10

6. After playing his monumental concerto in England, David collapses on stage. What is happening to him in the next scene? Hint

He is being rushed into an ambulance.

He is being put in a straight jacket.

He is being given sedatives.

He is getting electric shock therapy.

7. After going into the hospital, David doesn't play piano for a long time, on doctor's orders. However, he can't help going in and helping a lady by turning the pages for her as SHE plays. What is she playing? Hint

Bach

Mozart

Daisy, Daisy

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

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Question 8 of 10

8. What does David finally find a job doing? Hint

Babysitting.

Tuning pianos.

Playing in a bar.

Teaching piano lessons.

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Question 9 of 10

9. Lynn Redgrave plays Gillian, the woman who falls in love with David and marries him, despite his eccentricities. What does she do for a living? Hint

Astronomy

Astrology

Psychiatry

Anatomy

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Question 10 of 10

10. "Shine" was nominated in all of the following categories for Oscars. Which category won? Hint

Geoffrey Rush for Best Actor

Scott Hicks for Best Director

Best Picture

Armin Mueller-Stahl for Best Supporting Actor

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. First things first. Was "Shine" based on a real person?

Answer: Yes

David Helfgott was a child prodigy in Australia, born in 1947 to Polish immigrant parents. After a troubled childhood and adolescence, he had a mental breakdown in his early twenties. He re-entered the classical music scene in 1984 and to critical and commercial success.

2. The movie focuses on David's struggle with one particular piece of music. What is it?

Answer: Rachmaninov's Third Piano Concerto

Flippantly called "The Rach 3," it is one of the most difficult pieces ever composed for the piano.

3. In London, David studied under Cecil Parkes, played by the late great John Gielgud. Cecil could no longer play piano. Why?

Answer: His arm was paralyzed.

This was a subtle, poignant subtext in the film. David mentions (in one of his marathon monologues) that Cecil had suffered a stroke. This is tragic in a man so great that he played the Rach 3 in front of Rachmaninov himself, but he is given the opportunity to teach it to David.

4. How many actors play David?

Answer: 3

Alex Rafalowicz plays David as a child, Noah Taylor is marvelous playing David as a young man, but Geoffrey Rush steals the entire movie playing David as an adult.

5. Why does David's father Peter refuse to let his son study in America?

Answer: He doesn't want to break up the family.

Loving but controlling and abusive, Peter Helfgott is an amazing character. He insists that he doesn't want to break up the family, but when David disobeys his wishes, he disowns him.

6. After playing his monumental concerto in England, David collapses on stage. What is happening to him in the next scene?

Answer: He is getting electric shock therapy.

This, again, is a little bit subtle. They never discuss what they are doing to him, but you can tell because of the wires they have hooked up to him and the gag in his mouth. Also, in the next scene (when he calls his father) his hair is cut off short.

Answer: Daisy, Daisy

David compliments her on her left hand, and encourages her "boldness of attack", what Cecil Parkes told him to work on during the Rachmaninov.

8. What does David finally find a job doing?

Answer: Playing in a bar.

This is an important step for David, where he can play music without all the pressure of concert hall performing. The scene when he first wanders into the bar and starts playing is riveting.

9. Lynn Redgrave plays Gillian, the woman who falls in love with David and marries him, despite his eccentricities. What does she do for a living?

Answer: Astrology

When debating whether or not to accept his offer of marriage, she consults both their star charts. Apparently, the signs were good.

10. "Shine" was nominated in all of the following categories for Oscars. Which category won?

Answer: Geoffrey Rush for Best Actor

He richly deserved it. I hope I've reminded you about all the great moments in this film. Thank you for taking my quiz!

Source: Author natalie92630

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor linkan before going online.
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