Wordplay

2006 · 94 MIN · IMDB 7.4 · 3,826 VOTES · DIR. Patrick Creadon

Wordplay poster

Overview

From the masters who create the mind-bending diversions to the tense competition at the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, Patrick Creadon's documentary reveals a fascinating look at a decidedly addictive pastime. Creadon captures New York Times editor Will Shortz at work, talks to celebrity solvers -- including Bill Clinton and Ken Burns -- and presents an intimate look at the national tournament and its competitors.

Documentary2000s

Dialogue Timeline — 1,263 lines

A SAMPLE ACROSS THE RUNTIME — EVERY LINE IS SEARCHABLE

00:00:30 What's a crossword tournament? Most people don't know.
00:03:51 I devised an entire curriculum for myself in puzzles.
00:07:16 So I, uh— I backed off immediately.
00:10:25 she was the one they picked to do it.
00:13:33 In real life, it's obviously a lot more complicated than that.
00:17:13 And I wanted to think of words that contain the word "play" in a nonword context.
00:20:27 so that words can come down?
00:23:56 And they were checking. "No, no. It—"
00:27:12 What I think it is is their ability to assimilate...
00:30:19 she turned away from the people at the table...
00:33:54 and I'll go through way over half the clues before I'll know the answer to one.
00:37:08 I don't know.
00:39:59 firing out answers at you.
00:43:13 That is— That means nothing to me.
00:46:23 - East. - East northeast.
00:49:35 ♪ If you don't come across I'm gonna be down ♪
00:53:05 - Which one was that one? - "Part of Q. E.D."
00:57:36 Thanks. Oh, I just want one.
01:01:41 I'm in first, Tyler's in second, and PatrickJordan's in third...
01:07:04 - You too? Same mistakes. - Yes.
01:10:36 He must have made an error, because we think he was fast enough, so—
01:14:03 I'd have the record for the youngest champion...
01:17:16 Done.
01:21:45 The ability to communicate clearly and forcefully—

Cast & Characters

Will Shortz Self Ken Burns Self Jon Stewart Self Merl Reagle Self Tyler Hinman Self Trip Payne Self Al Sanders Self Ellen Ripstein Self Jon Delfin Self Amy Ray Self

Dialogue Record

Lines indexed1,263
Dialogue density13.4 lines / min
First line00:00:30
Final line01:21:45

Production Record

DirectorPatrick Creadon
LanguageEnglish
IMDb votes3,826