Step into the sprawling, haunting world of The Irishman (2019) — Martin Scorsese’s epic saga of loyalty, betrayal, and the heavy cost of a life lived in the shadows. This masterfully crafted crime drama spans decades, following the rise and fall of Frank Sheeran and his ties to some of America’s most infamous criminal figures.
Think you remember every tense conversation, shocking betrayal, and subtle character moment? Test your knowledge with our 10-question trivia challenge and prove you’re a true aficionado of modern mob cinema.
The Irishman (2019) Trivia Questions & Answers
- Who directed The Irishman (2019)?
Martin Scorsese
Correct Answer: Martin Scorsese
Martin Scorsese returned to the gangster genre with The Irishman, offering a somber, meditative look at a life of crime. Far from the kinetic energy of Goodfellas, this film reflects on aging, betrayal, and the emptiness left in the wake of violence.
- Which actor plays the lead role of Frank Sheeran?
Robert De Niro
Correct Answer: Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro delivers a quietly powerful performance as Frank Sheeran, a mob hitman grappling with the consequences of a life lived in the shadows. His portrayal spans decades, with internal conflict replacing bravado as the character ages.
- What is Frank Sheeran’s profession in the film?
Truck driver and hitman
Correct Answer: Truck driver and hitman
Frank begins as a truck driver who steals meat, eventually becoming a trusted enforcer for the Mafia. His dual identity — as a family man and a contract killer — underscores the film’s tension between duty and personal morality.
- Which labor union leader is central to the plot of The Irishman?
Jimmy Hoffa
Correct Answer: Jimmy Hoffa
Jimmy Hoffa, the infamous leader of the Teamsters Union, is at the heart of the story. His alliance and eventual falling out with organized crime figures are key to the narrative and Frank’s inner turmoil.
- Who portrays Jimmy Hoffa in the film?
Al Pacino
Correct Answer: Al Pacino
Al Pacino brings fire and charisma to the role of Jimmy Hoffa. His performance captures Hoffa’s stubborn pride and emotional volatility, offering a compelling counterbalance to De Niro’s stoic Frank.
- What organization is Russell Bufalino associated with?
The Mafia
Correct Answer: The Mafia
Russell Bufalino is a high-ranking figure in the Bufalino crime family. His calm, manipulative influence guides much of the film’s events, subtly shaping Frank’s path and Hoffa’s downfall.
- What is the nickname of Frank Sheeran in the film?
The Irishman
Correct Answer: The Irishman
Frank Sheeran is called “The Irishman” due to his heritage — a rare trait in the Italian-dominated Mafia world. His nickname marks him as both an outsider and a uniquely trusted associate.
- What painting technique was used extensively in the film’s production?
Digital de-aging
Correct Answer: Digital de-aging
The film made groundbreaking use of digital de-aging to portray its main characters across multiple decades. This technique allowed Scorsese to maintain continuity in performances, showing how time and guilt accumulate on the same faces.
- What is the central theme explored in The Irishman?
Loyalty and regret
Correct Answer: Loyalty and regret
At its core, the film is about the cost of loyalty — particularly when it’s misplaced. As Frank reflects on his life, we see that unwavering devotion to power comes with isolation, remorse, and the haunting silence of a lonely old age.
- Who plays the role of Russell Bufalino?
Joe Pesci
Correct Answer: Joe Pesci
Joe Pesci delivers a masterclass in understated menace as Russell Bufalino. His quiet intensity contrasts his more fiery past roles, and his calm authority provides a chilling reminder of how power often speaks in whispers, not shouts.
