Word Wars (2004)

A look at the obsessive world of competitive Scrabble.

Directors:

Eric Chaikin, Julian Petrillo

Stars:

Joe Edley, Matt Graham, Marlon Hill

2 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Joe Edley	...	Self
Matt Graham	...	Self
Marlon Hill	...	Self
Joel Sherman	...	Self (as 'G.I.' Joel Sherman)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Mike Birbiglia	...	Self
Brian Cappelletto	...	Self
Aldo Cardia	...	Self (as Aldo)
Chris	...	Self
Lynn Cushman	...	Self
Jan Dixon	...	Self
Stefan Fatsis	...	Self
Uncle Harrison	...	Self - Marlon's Uncle
Hattie Hill	...	Self - Marlon's Mother
Jimmy	...	Self
Joe	...	Self

Storyline

The classic board game, Scrabble, has been popular for decades. In addition, there are fanatics who devote heart and soul to this game to the expense of everything else. This film profiles a group of these enthusiasts as they converge for a Scrabble convention where the word game is almost a bloodsport.

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Plot Keywords:

scrabble | board game | marijuana | tournament | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Comedy

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Certificate:

Unrated

Did You Know?

Trivia

The last line in the credits reads "This film is rated 1900" - a reference to the National Scrabble Association rating system (1700 and above is considered an expert rating; typically only elite players get to 1900 and up).

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Crazy Credits

This film is rated 1900.

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Connections

References Night of the Living Dead (1968)

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Soundtracks

Paralysed
Written by Chaikin and Haber
Performed by E-Wolf and the Moneylenders

User Reviews

Excellent Docu for people who like Docus

Extremely well-paced flick with excellent climax (unlike many meandering documentaries) it is much like an adult "Spellbound." Much like that movie, these people are fascinating characters more than anything else, and in many instances scrabble takes a backseat to the force of their personalities. It focuses on four masters competing in the days leading up to the Nationals - between the egos involved, the inter-personal problems and competition anxiety there is a ton of pathos and conflict that is also reminiscent of Fred Wiseman's early documentaries. I agree there could have been more focus on the nitty-gritty of specific matches or more information on strategy, but I think I (and others) would have gotten bored watching too much actual scrabble play.

If you like documentaries at all, this comes highly recommended, it is very well edited and maintains interest the whole time.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

January 2004 (USA)

Also Known As:

Tiles and Tribulations on the Scrabble Circuit

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$7,559, 31 May 2004

Gross USA:

$110,617

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$110,617

Company Credits

Production Co:

E-Wolf, Seventh Art Releasing

Technical Specs

Runtime:

80 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1