Join the discussion – Question 6

What is your own experience playing pinball? If you have played before, do you have a favorite game? If you’ve never played pinball, did watching Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game make you want to?

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More Book Discussion Questions

Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game highlights the role Roger Sharpe (Mike Faist) played in overturning New York City’s ban on pinball. Prior to watching the film, were you aware that pinball had ever been banned? What are your thoughts on the decision to make pinball illegal? The film features Mr. Sharpe (Dennis Boutsikaris) being interviewed and frequently breaking the fourth wall to directly address the audience or complain about choices being made to tell the story. Why do you think the filmmakers chose to use this framing device to advance the plot? Think about the scene where Roger (Mike Faist) takes Ellen (Crystal Reed) to the adult store, and she is hesitant because she doesn’t know he’s bringing her to play pinball. Later in the film, Roger is surprised to learn his colleague Harry (Bryan Batt) has children. In response, Harry tells him, “You know what they say about books and covers.” Can you think of a time where you misjudged a situation based on outward appearances? How would you approach that situation now? Throughout the film, viewers get a history lesson on pinball. What was the most surprising thing you learned? A major theme throughout the film is the concept of knowing what you want. When we first meet Roger Sharpe (Mike Faist) in 1971, he asks The Guy (Alexandre Bagot) what he should aim for and The Guy asks, “What do you want?”. Then, on their first date, Ellen (Crystal Reed) says, “I think it’s important to be clear about who we are and what we’re after.” How does this theme reflect Roger’s iconic moment of being able to predict and aim his ball in front of the New York City Council? As the film progresses, Roger Sharpe (Mike Faist) struggles with his role in Ellen (Crystal Reed) and Seth’s (Christopher Convery) lives. Discuss how Roger’s experience playing pinball and learning to embrace taking risks nudged his relationship forward to a happy ending. If you could ask Roger Sharpe one question, what would it be? If you could ask the filmmakers one question, what would it be? After watching this film, do you believe pinball is a game of chance or a game of skill? Why?

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