Question 1

What real-life connection does Wallace Shawn's character John Lahr have to Joe Orton's story?

Accepted Answer

Wallace Shawn's character John Lahr was not only a writer but also shared the same theatrical agent, Margaret Ramsay, with Joe Orton. Ramsay is portrayed in the film by Vanessa Redgrave.

Question 2

Which major actor turned down the role of Kenneth Halliwell and later regretted it?

Accepted Answer

Sir Ian McKellen turned down an offer to play Kenneth Halliwell, a role that went to Alfred Molina. McKellen has said he lived to regret that decision.

Question 3

How did the film's title 'Prick Up Your Ears' originate?

Accepted Answer

Kenneth Halliwell created the title 'Prick Up Your Ears' for Joe Orton's never-produced movie for The Beatles called 'Up Against It.' Orton said it was too good a title to waste on a film.

Question 4

What was the age difference between Joe Orton and Kenneth Halliwell when they first met?

Accepted Answer

Kenneth Halliwell was 25 years old when he first met 18-year-old Joe Orton at RADA, making Halliwell seven years older.

Question 5

What is the double meaning behind the film's title 'Prick Up Your Ears'?

Accepted Answer

The title is a naughty pun where 'Prick' has both standard and off-color meanings, and 'Ears' is an anagram for the British spelling of a vulgar anatomical term.

Question 6

What is the central conflict in 'Prick Up Your Ears'?

Accepted Answer

The film follows Joe Orton and Kenneth Halliwell's relationship, where Orton's rising writing success leads to Halliwell's jealousy and dangerous rage.

Question 7

Which major film festival featured 'Prick Up Your Ears' in 1987?

Accepted Answer

It was an official selection at the Cannes Film Festival in 1987.

Question 8

What connection does Wallace Shawn's character have to Joe Orton's real life?

Accepted Answer

Wallace Shawn plays John Lahr, whose theatrical agent Margaret Ramsay was also Joe Orton's agent, portrayed by Vanessa Redgrave in the film.

Question 9

Why did Ian McKellen regret a decision related to this movie?

Accepted Answer

Sir Ian McKellen turned down an offer to play Kenneth Halliwell, a role that went to Alfred Molina, and later said he lived to regret that decision.

Question 10

How did the title 'Prick Up Your Ears' originate?

Accepted Answer

Kenneth Halliwell created the title for Joe Orton's unproduced movie for The Beatles, but Orton thought it was too good to waste on a film.

Prick Up Your Ears

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