Question 1

True or false: Parker directed the first 'Harry Potter' film, 'The Philosopher's Stone'.

Accepted Answer

False. That film was directed by Chris Columbus; Parker was never involved with the Harry Potter series.

Question 2

True or false: Parker was born in the United States and began his career in Hollywood.

Accepted Answer

False. Alan Parker was actually born in Islington, London, and started his career in British advertising before moving to film.

Question 3

True or false: He directed 'Evita', the 1996 musical biopic starring Madonna as Eva Perón.

Accepted Answer

True. Parker helmed this lavish adaptation, which earned Madonna a Golden Globe and showcased his versatility in musicals.

Question 4

True or false: Alan Parker directed the iconic musical 'The Commitments' about a Dublin soul band.

Accepted Answer

True. Parker directed this 1991 film, which became a cult classic and showcased his knack for gritty, music-driven storytelling.

Question 5

True or false: Alan Parker was a professional boxer before entering the film industry.

Accepted Answer

False. This is a myth; Parker worked as a copywriter and director in advertising, not as a boxer.

Question 6

True or false: He wrote the screenplay for 'The Wall' but did not direct the film.

Accepted Answer

False. Parker directed 'Pink Floyd – The Wall' (1982), but the screenplay was written by Roger Waters, not Parker.

Question 7

True or false: Parker was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2002.

Accepted Answer

True. He received the CBE for his services to the film industry, a surprising honor given his often gritty, anti-establishment films.

Question 8

True or false: His film 'Midnight Express' was banned in Turkey for its depiction of the country.

Accepted Answer

True. The 1978 film, critical of the Turkish justice system, was indeed banned in Turkey for decades.

Alan Parker Trivia Questions