Question 1

What real-life zoo inspired the film's setting, and how is it referenced in a scene?

Accepted Answer

Dartmoor Zoological Park in England inspired the film. In one scene, the real Benjamin Mee wears a cap that looks like it belongs to that zoo.

Question 2

Why did director Cameron Crowe feel guilty about a line involving a young actress?

Accepted Answer

Crowe felt guilty about having 7-year-old Maggie Elizabeth Jones say "dick." Her mother explained Maggie had an uncle named Dick, so she thought she was calling someone her uncle, and the line stayed.

Question 3

What real-life incident at Dartmoor Zoo is referenced in the film's dialogue?

Accepted Answer

Kelly mentions a weak enclosure between the jaguar and tigers. In the actual Dartmoor Zoo, the jaguar escaped into the tiger enclosure.

Question 4

How did the film avoid a PG-13 rating to appeal to family audiences?

Accepted Answer

Most of the language and sexual content had to be removed to avoid a PG-13 rating and make it more appealing to family audiences.

Question 5

What personal detail about the real Benjamin Mee contrasts with his daughter's comment in the film?

Accepted Answer

In the film, Rosie says her dad is "more handsome" than other dads because most don't have hair. The real Benjamin Mee is completely bald.

Question 6

Which real-life family appears in the film's zoo opening scene?

Accepted Answer

The real Benjamin Mee, Milo Mee (Dylan), and Ella Mee (Rosie) are visible as the first family in line when Matt Damon's character climbs over a tree. Benjamin Mee wears a cap resembling Dartmoor Zoological Park's.

Question 7

Why did the filmmakers almost change a line spoken by 7-year-old Maggie Elizabeth Jones?

Accepted Answer

Director Cameron Crowe felt guilty about having her say "dick," but her mother explained Maggie had an uncle named Dick, so she thought she was calling someone her uncle. The line stayed.

Question 8

What real-life zoo incident inspired a safety concern mentioned in the film?

Accepted Answer

Kelly mentions a weak enclosure between the jaguar and tigers. In the actual Dartmoor Zoo that inspired the film, the jaguar escaped into the tiger enclosure.

Question 9

How did the real Benjamin Mee's appearance differ from his portrayal in the film?

Accepted Answer

In the movie, Rosie says her dad is "more handsome" than other dads because most don't have hair. The real Benjamin Mee is completely bald.

Question 10

What major changes were made to avoid a PG-13 rating?

Accepted Answer

Most of the language and sexual content had to be removed to make the film more appealing to family audiences and avoid a PG-13 rating.

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