Question 1

What hidden message appears in a newspaper article prop in the film?

Accepted Answer

The article text tells viewers who pause to read it that their time would be better spent renting 'Citizen Ruth' (1996) and complains about writing fake stories for movie props.

Question 2

How did director Alexander Payne initially react to the novel that inspired 'Election'?

Accepted Answer

When MTV Productions sent him the novel in 1997, he said he did not want to produce a teen comedy, but they convinced him it was a dark, adult comedy disguised as one.

Question 3

What real-life challenge did Alexander Payne face while filming gym scenes with high school extras?

Accepted Answer

Due to SAT season and extras finding the work tedious, Payne had too few extras. He solved this by having them move seats multiple times to create the illusion of a full gym through editing.

Question 4

Which actor made their film debut in 'Election', and how were they discovered?

Accepted Answer

Chris Klein made his debut as Paul Metzler. He was a student at Millard West High School in Omaha when discovered by director Alexander Payne while scouting filming locations.

Question 5

What personal motives drive Jim McAllister to interfere in the high school election?

Accepted Answer

Jim McAllister talks football player Paul Metzler to run against Tracy Flick partly to establish a more democratic election and partly due to deep personal anger toward Tracy.

Question 6

Why did director Alexander Payne initially hesitate to make 'Election'?

Accepted Answer

When sent the novel in 1997, Payne told MTV Productions he did not want to produce a teen comedy, but they convinced him it was a dark, adult comedy disguised as one, leading him to agree.

Question 7

What real-life high school was used for filming classroom scenes in 'Election'?

Accepted Answer

Classroom scenes were filmed at Papillion-La Vista Senior High School in Omaha, Nebraska, with real classes occurring in adjacent rooms, and background noises from them were left in for realism.

Question 8

How did the film crew handle a shortage of extras for gym scenes due to SAT season?

Accepted Answer

With real high school students as extras, director Alexander Payne had them move seats multiple times to appear more numerous through editing, completing a wide gym shot in under twenty minutes.

Question 9

What hidden message appears in a newspaper article prop in 'Election'?

Accepted Answer

A newspaper article text in the film jokes that pausing to read it is a waste of time and suggests renting 'Citizen Ruth' instead, poking fun at the effort to write fake stories for props.

Question 10

Which major awards did 'Election' receive nominations or wins for in 1999-2000?

Accepted Answer

The film was recognized at the Golden Globes, Independent Spirit Awards, Academy Awards, Writers Guild of America, Los Angeles Film Critics Association, National Board of Review, New York Film Critics Circle, and Village Voice Film Poll.

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Election

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