About Creating The Queen's Gambit

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• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music / Soundtrack

About

Creating The Queen's Gambit is a 2021 documentary film that explores the making of the acclaimed television series The Queen's Gambit. The series, based on the novel of the same name by Walter Tevis, follows the story of Beth Harmon, a young orphaned chess prodigy navigating her way through the male-dominated world of competitive chess in the 1960s.

The documentary delves into the creative process behind the show, highlighting the challenges and decisions made during production, as well as the impact it had on the chess world and popular culture.

Making / Production

The creation of The Queen's Gambit was a complex and meticulous process that involved a talented team of writers, directors, and producers. The documentary provides insight into the development of the script, the casting process, and the visual style of the show.

It also explores the challenges of recreating the world of competitive chess in the 1960s, including the creation of authentic chess matches and the detailed set designs that brought the period setting to life.

Actors

• Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon - Taylor-Joy delivers a captivating performance as the troubled yet brilliant chess prodigy, portraying her journey from orphan to world-class chess player with intensity and vulnerability.
• Bill Camp as Mr. Shaibel - Camp brings depth and warmth to the role of Beth's mentor and chess teacher.
• Moses Ingram as Jolene - Ingram shines as Beth's loyal and street-smart friend.
• Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Benny Watts - Brodie-Sangster brings charisma and charm to the role of a fellow chess player and eventual rival.
• Harry Melling as Harry Beltik - Melling portrays Harry Beltik, a former chess opponent of Beth's, with nuance and complexity.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The novel The Queen's Gambit, written by Walter Tevis, was first published in 1983, but gained renewed popularity after the release of the TV series.
• The character of Beth Harmon was inspired by real-life chess prodigy Bobby Fischer.
• The show's attention to detail in capturing the aesthetics of the 1960s garnered praise from critics and viewers alike.
• The series sparked a resurgence of interest in chess, with sales of chess sets and enrollment in chess clubs increasing significantly following its release.

Awards

Creating The Queen's Gambit won the award for Best Documentary Film at the 2021 Critics' Choice Documentary Awards.

Quotes

• "Chess isn't always competitive. Chess can also be beautiful." - Beth Harmon
• "The game is more important than the player." - Vasily Borgov
• "You've just got to make bold moves." - Benny Watts

Music / Soundtrack

The soundtrack of The Queen's Gambit features a mix of original score by Carlos Rafael Rivera and popular music from the 1960s. The music enhances the atmosphere of the show, complementing the intense and suspenseful moments of chess matches.