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Albert and David Maysles were primarily known for their work in narrative feature films.
Answer: False
Explanation: Albert and David Maysles were renowned documentary filmmakers, not primarily known for narrative feature films.
Albert Maysles initially pursued a career in acting before turning to documentary filmmaking.
Answer: False
Explanation: Albert Maysles initially pursued a career in psychology, earning advanced degrees in the field, before transitioning to filmmaking.
Both Albert and David Maysles earned advanced degrees in film studies.
Answer: False
Explanation: While both brothers pursued higher education, their degrees were in psychology, not film studies.
Albert Maysles served in the Navy during World War II.
Answer: False
Explanation: Albert Maysles served in the United States Army's Tank Corps during World War II.
David Maysles worked on films featuring Marilyn Monroe in Hollywood before joining his brother in filmmaking.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the mid-1950s, David Maysles worked as a production assistant in Hollywood on films starring Marilyn Monroe, such as *Bus Stop*.
David Maysles joined Albert in filmmaking because he found the glamour of Hollywood to be overwhelming.
Answer: False
Explanation: David Maysles became disenchanted with conventional filmmaking, finding the glamour faded and the process tedious, which led him to join his brother Albert in documentary filmmaking.
In 1960, the Maysles brothers became associated with Drew Associates, a company founded by Alfred Hitchcock.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 1960, the Maysles brothers joined Drew Associates, a documentary film company founded by photojournalist Robert Drew, not Alfred Hitchcock.
When working with Drew Associates, Albert typically handled sound recording while David managed the cinematography.
Answer: False
Explanation: Typically, Albert Maysles handled the cinematography (filming), while David Maysles was responsible for the sound recording when they worked with Drew Associates.
The Maysles brothers established their own production company, Maysles Films, Inc., in 1962.
Answer: True
Explanation: After their tenure with Drew Associates, Albert and David Maysles formed their own production company, Maysles Films, Inc., in 1962.
David Maysles expressed disillusionment with his early Hollywood work because he found the work to be glamorous but tedious.
Answer: True
Explanation: David Maysles became disillusioned with his early Hollywood experiences, finding the work to be glamorous yet ultimately tedious, which motivated his shift towards documentary filmmaking with his brother.
What is the primary professional identity of Albert and David Maysles?
Answer: Pioneers in Direct Cinema documentary filmmaking.
Explanation: Albert and David Maysles are widely recognized as pioneering figures in the field of Direct Cinema documentary filmmaking.
Before filmmaking, Albert Maysles pursued a career in which field?
Answer: Psychology
Explanation: Albert Maysles held advanced degrees in psychology and initially intended to pursue a career in academic research and teaching within that field.
Where did the Maysles brothers' parents immigrate from?
Answer: Ukraine and Poland
Explanation: The parents of Albert and David Maysles were Jewish immigrants to the United States; their father was originally from Ukraine, and their mother was from Poland.
What military branch did Albert Maysles serve in during World War II?
Answer: U.S. Army Tank Corps
Explanation: Albert Maysles served in the United States Army's Tank Corps during World War II.
David Maysles worked as a production assistant on which star's films in the mid-1950s?
Answer: Marilyn Monroe
Explanation: In the mid-1950s, David Maysles worked as a production assistant on films featuring Marilyn Monroe, including *Bus Stop* and *The Prince and the Showgirl*.
What company did the Maysles brothers join in 1960, working alongside filmmakers like D. A. Pennebaker?
Answer: Drew Associates
Explanation: In 1960, Albert and David Maysles became associated with Drew Associates, a significant documentary film company founded by Robert Drew.
What did David Maysles do in the mid-1950s before fully committing to filmmaking with his brother?
Answer: Worked as a production assistant in Hollywood.
Explanation: Prior to fully embracing documentary filmmaking with his brother, David Maysles worked as a production assistant in Hollywood during the mid-1950s.
Direct Cinema filmmaking strictly adheres to using narration and background music to guide the audience's understanding.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Direct Cinema style, as practiced by the Maysles brothers, deliberately eschews narration and extraneous music, allowing events to unfold organically and relying on editing to shape the narrative.
The Maysles brothers' editing process relied heavily on voice-over narration to explain the events depicted.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Maysles brothers shaped their narratives primarily through the selection and arrangement of footage and sound, eschewing voice-over narration as a defining characteristic of their Direct Cinema style.
The Maysles brothers pioneered the "fly on the wall" perspective by actively directing their subjects' actions.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Maysles brothers were pioneers of the "fly on the wall" perspective, which emphasizes allowing real-life events to unfold naturally without crew interference or direction of subjects.
What is a key characteristic of the Direct Cinema style of filmmaking?
Answer: Allowing real-life events to unfold without crew interference.
Explanation: A defining characteristic of Direct Cinema is its commitment to observing events as they naturally occur, minimizing crew interference and avoiding staged scenarios.
The Maysles brothers' most acclaimed films include *Salesman*, *Gimme Shelter*, and *Grey Gardens*.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Maysles brothers are widely recognized for their influential documentaries *Salesman* (1969), *Gimme Shelter* (1970), and *Grey Gardens* (1975).
The film *Salesman* explored the lives of door-to-door Bible salesmen and critiqued the effects of capitalism.
Answer: True
Explanation: The documentary *Salesman* provides an in-depth look at the lives of door-to-door Bible salesmen, functioning as a critique of the degenerative effects of capitalism on individuals and communities.
*Gimme Shelter* documented the Altamont Free Concert but did not capture any violent incidents.
Answer: False
Explanation: The film *Gimme Shelter* is notoriously known for capturing the fatal altercation between an attendee and a Hells Angels member during the Altamont Free Concert.
*Grey Gardens* focused on the lives of the parents of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Answer: False
Explanation: *Grey Gardens* focused on the lives of Edith Bouvier Beale ('Big Edie') and her daughter Edith Beale ('Little Edie'), who were the aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, respectively.
*Gimme Shelter* documented The Rolling Stones' 1969 tour, concluding with the Woodstock festival.
Answer: False
Explanation: *Gimme Shelter* documented The Rolling Stones' 1969 tour, but it famously concluded with the Altamont Free Concert, not the Woodstock festival.
The Maysles brothers filmed Truman Capote's 1966 Black and White Ball, releasing it as *Party Pictures*.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Maysles brothers filmed Truman Capote's 1966 Black and White Ball, but the resulting film was released as *With Love from Truman*, not *Party Pictures*.
Which of the following is NOT listed as one of the Maysles brothers' most famous films?
Answer: Monterey Pop
Explanation: While Albert Maysles worked as a cinematographer on *Monterey Pop*, the film is not typically listed among the Maysles brothers' three most famous and defining works: *Salesman*, *Gimme Shelter*, and *Grey Gardens*.
What was the primary subject matter documented in the film *Salesman*?
Answer: The experiences of door-to-door Bible salesmen.
Explanation: The documentary *Salesman* meticulously chronicles the lives and struggles of door-to-door Bible salesmen.
The film *Gimme Shelter* is infamous for capturing which event at the Altamont Free Concert?
Answer: A violent altercation resulting in a death.
Explanation: The film *Gimme Shelter* captured the violent incident at the Altamont Free Concert where Meredith Hunter was fatally stabbed by a Hells Angels member.
Who were "Big Edie" and "Little Edie Beale," the subjects of *Grey Gardens*?
Answer: A mother and daughter, relatives of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, living in seclusion.
Explanation: "Big Edie" and "Little Edie" Beale were a mother and daughter, respectively the aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who lived in reclusive isolation in their East Hampton mansion, the subject of the Maysles' documentary.
The Maysles brothers achieved film synchronization by using identical, integrated camera and sound equipment.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Maysles brothers achieved synchronization by carefully controlling the speeds of their separate camera and sound recording devices, rather than using integrated equipment.
Albert Maysles modified his camera by adding a telephoto lens and a tripod mount.
Answer: False
Explanation: Albert Maysles modified his 16mm camera by adding a shoulder brace, a mirror near the lens, and a ring on the focus pull to facilitate smoother operation and focus adjustments.
Albert Maysles believed his attention deficit disorder hindered his ability to capture unfolding events.
Answer: False
Explanation: Albert Maysles suggested that his attention deficit disorder, while challenging for editing, benefited his shooting by enabling intense focus on and anticipation of unfolding events.
Which of the following was a technical challenge the Maysles brothers overcame in their filmmaking?
Answer: Maintaining synchronization between separate camera and sound recorders.
Explanation: A significant technical challenge they addressed was maintaining synchronization between their independently operated camera and sound recording devices, a common issue with the technology of the era.
Albert Maysles modified his camera by adding which features for improved shooting?
Answer: A shoulder brace, mirror, and focus/aperture ring.
Explanation: Albert Maysles enhanced his 16mm camera with a shoulder brace for stability, a mirror near the lens, and a ring on the focus pull, enabling precise adjustments while filming.
Albert Maysles believed his attention deficit disorder had what positive effect on his filmmaking?
Answer: It allowed him to intensely focus on and anticipate unfolding events.
Explanation: Albert Maysles posited that his attention deficit disorder facilitated an intense focus on and anticipation of unfolding events during filming, a skill he found beneficial for capturing candid moments.
Which of the following statements accurately reflects the Maysles brothers' approach to documentary editing?
Answer: They shaped the narrative primarily through the selection and arrangement of footage and sound.
Explanation: The Maysles brothers utilized the editing process as their primary narrative tool, carefully selecting and arranging footage and sound to construct their documentaries, eschewing external narration.
Critic Pauline Kael praised the Maysles brothers' authenticity, arguing they never staged scenes.
Answer: False
Explanation: Critic Pauline Kael notably accused the Maysles brothers of staging scenes and hiring actors for their documentaries, particularly in films like *Gimme Shelter* and *Salesman*.
The Maysles brothers responded to Pauline Kael's criticisms by agreeing with her assessment and withdrawing their films.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Maysles brothers refuted Pauline Kael's criticisms, threatening legal action and publishing a rebuttal to her claims.
Accusations of exploiting subjects were primarily leveled against the Maysles brothers for their film *Salesman*.
Answer: False
Explanation: While criticisms were made regarding *Salesman*, accusations of exploiting subjects were more prominently leveled against the Maysles brothers concerning their film *Grey Gardens*.
Critic Pauline Kael accused the Maysles brothers of what practice in films like *Salesman*?
Answer: Staging scenes and hiring actors for roles.
Explanation: Pauline Kael critically alleged that the Maysles brothers engaged in staging scenes and utilized actors, such as hiring Paul Brennan for the role of a Bible salesman in *Salesman*.
How did the Maysles brothers refute Pauline Kael's criticisms?
Answer: They threatened legal action and published a rebuttal.
Explanation: In response to Pauline Kael's critiques, the Maysles brothers threatened legal action against *The New Yorker* and subsequently published a detailed rebuttal to her assertions.
The Maysles brothers financed their documentaries solely through grants from arts foundations.
Answer: False
Explanation: While grants may have been a source of funding, the Maysles brothers also financed their work through commercial projects, such as commercials for companies like IBM and Shell Oil.
The Maysles brothers frequently documented subjects related to politics and international relations.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Maysles brothers predominantly focused their documentaries on art, artists, musicians, and cultural phenomena, rather than politics or international relations.
The Maysles brothers documented Yoko Ono's "Cut Piece" performance at Carnegie Hall in 1965.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1965, the Maysles brothers filmed Yoko Ono's seminal performance art piece, "Cut Piece," at Carnegie Hall.
The Maysles brothers' short film *Christo's Valley Curtain* (1974) received an Academy Award nomination.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Maysles brothers' documentary short *Christo's Valley Curtain* (1974), which chronicled the installation of Christo's monumental fabric sculpture, earned an Academy Award nomination.
The films *Salesman* and *Grey Gardens* are preserved in the National Film Registry.
Answer: True
Explanation: Both *Salesman* and *Grey Gardens* have been recognized for their cultural and historical significance and are preserved in the Library of Congress' National Film Registry.
Filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard called Albert Maysles “the worst American cameraman.”
Answer: False
Explanation: Filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard actually referred to Albert Maysles as "the best American cameraman."
Albert Maysles received the National Medal of Arts in 2014 from President George W. Bush.
Answer: False
Explanation: Albert Maysles received the National Medal of Arts in 2014, but it was awarded by President Barack Obama.
Albert Maysles won a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on *The Beatles: The First U.S. Visit*.
Answer: False
Explanation: Albert Maysles won a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on *Soldiers of Music*, not for *The Beatles: The First U.S. Visit*.
*What's Happening! The Beatles In The U.S.A.* was later re-edited and re-released as *The Beatles: The First U.S. Visit*.
Answer: True
Explanation: The documentary *What's Happening! The Beatles In The U.S.A.*, which documented The Beatles' 1964 visit, was subsequently re-edited and released as *The Beatles: The First U.S. Visit*.
*The Beales of Grey Gardens* used previously unseen footage from the original *Grey Gardens* filming.
Answer: True
Explanation: *The Beales of Grey Gardens* (2006) was created by Albert Maysles using entirely unused footage from the original filming sessions for the 1975 documentary *Grey Gardens*.
The Maysles Documentary Center, founded by Albert Maysles, is located in Los Angeles and focuses on narrative films.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Maysles Documentary Center, founded by Albert Maysles, is located in Harlem, New York, and is dedicated to exhibiting and producing documentary films.
Posthumously released films by Albert Maysles include *Iris* and *In Transit*.
Answer: True
Explanation: Films released after Albert Maysles' death include *Iris* (2015), a portrait of Iris Apfel, and *In Transit* (2015), which documented the longest train route in the United States.
Albert Maysles co-directed *The Love We Make*, which documented Paul McCartney's activities after the September 11th attacks.
Answer: True
Explanation: Albert Maysles co-directed *The Love We Make* (2011), a documentary chronicling Paul McCartney's experiences and activities in New York City following the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Albert Maysles contributed cinematography to the documentary *When We Were Kings*, which won an Academy Award.
Answer: True
Explanation: Albert Maysles served as a cinematographer for Leon Gast's acclaimed documentary *When We Were Kings*, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
The Maysles brothers' films have inspired adaptations including a musical and a mockumentary series.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Maysles brothers' cinematic work, particularly *Grey Gardens*, has inspired subsequent adaptations, including a Broadway musical and episodes of the mockumentary series *Documentary Now!*.
At the time of his death, Albert Maysles was working on a film about the fashion designer Coco Chanel.
Answer: False
Explanation: At the time of his death, Albert Maysles was engaged in completing an autobiographical documentary titled *Handheld and from the Heart*.
Which of the following films documented Yoko Ono's performance art piece "Cut Piece"?
Answer: The Maysles documented it in 1965.
Explanation: The Maysles brothers filmed Yoko Ono's "Cut Piece" performance art piece in 1965, capturing a significant moment in conceptual art history.
The Maysles brothers' film *Christo's Valley Curtain* received which prestigious nomination?
Answer: Academy Award
Explanation: *Christo's Valley Curtain*, a documentary by the Maysles brothers, was nominated for an Academy Award.
Which two Maysles films are preserved in the Library of Congress' National Film Registry?
Answer: Salesman and Grey Gardens
Explanation: The films *Salesman* and *Grey Gardens* have been selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress due to their significant cultural and historical impact.
What honor did Albert Maysles receive in 2014?
Answer: The National Medal of Arts.
Explanation: In 2014, Albert Maysles was honored with the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama.
Albert Maysles won a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on which documentary?
Answer: Soldiers of Music
Explanation: Albert Maysles received a Primetime Emmy Award for his contributions to the documentary *Soldiers of Music*.
What was the original title of the film documenting The Beatles' first U.S. visit, later re-released?
Answer: What's Happening! The Beatles In The U.S.A.
Explanation: The film documenting The Beatles' initial visit to the United States in 1964 was originally titled *What's Happening! The Beatles In The U.S.A.*.
The film *The Beales of Grey Gardens* was created by Albert Maysles using what type of footage?
Answer: Entirely unused footage from the original filming.
Explanation: *The Beales of Grey Gardens* was assembled by Albert Maysles using footage that had not been included in the original 1975 documentary.
What is the mission of the Maysles Documentary Center located in Harlem?
Answer: To exhibit and produce documentary films that foster dialogue and inspire action.
Explanation: The Maysles Documentary Center aims to foster dialogue and inspire action through the exhibition and production of documentary films.
Which of the following films did Albert Maysles co-direct, focusing on Paul McCartney's experiences post-9/11?
Answer: The Love We Make
Explanation: Albert Maysles co-directed *The Love We Make*, a documentary that captured Paul McCartney's activities and experiences in New York City following the September 11th attacks.
Albert Maysles contributed cinematography to which Academy Award-winning documentary about a famous boxing match?
Answer: When We Were Kings
Explanation: Albert Maysles provided cinematography for *When We Were Kings*, the Academy Award-winning documentary chronicling the "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match.
What was the subject of the Maysles brothers' documentary *Ozawa* (1986)?
Answer: A renowned conductor.
Explanation: The Maysles brothers directed the 1986 documentary *Ozawa*, which focused on the life and career of the renowned conductor Seiji Ozawa.
What was Albert Maysles working on at the time of his death?
Answer: An autobiographical documentary titled *Handheld and from the Heart*.
Explanation: At the time of his passing, Albert Maysles was actively working on an autobiographical documentary project titled *Handheld and from the Heart*.
The Maysles brothers' film *LaLee's Kin: The Legacy of Cotton* received which major award nomination?
Answer: Best Documentary Feature Oscar
Explanation: *LaLee's Kin: The Legacy of Cotton*, co-directed by Albert Maysles, earned a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.