Step into a world of wonder with Hugo (2011), Martin Scorsese’s visually stunning tribute to the early days of cinema. Set in a 1930s Paris train station, the film follows a young orphan named Hugo Cabret who uncovers a secret that connects him to the forgotten legacy of filmmaking pioneer Georges Méliès.
Think you remember every gear, clockwork mystery, and cinematic nod in this Oscar-winning masterpiece? Test your movie knowledge with our 10-question trivia challenge — only true film lovers and Scorsese fans will ace this one!
Hugo Trivia Questions & Answers
Here are the correct answers and detailed explanations for each question in our Hugo (2011) trivia quiz. This magical film is more than just a story about an orphan — it’s a heartfelt love letter to the history of cinema:
1) Who directed the film Hugo (2011)?
Correct Answer: Martin Scorsese
Martin Scorsese, best known for gritty crime dramas like Goodfellas and Taxi Driver, surprised audiences with Hugo, a whimsical and heartfelt family film. Despite the genre shift, Scorsese’s deep love of cinema shines through in every frame. The film also marked his first venture into 3D, showcasing his ability to adapt while celebrating film history.
2) What is Hugo’s full name in the movie?
Correct Answer: Hugo Cabret
Hugo Cabret is the main character, a resourceful and intelligent orphan who secretly maintains the clocks in a busy Paris train station. His name is also the title of the original book by Brian Selznick, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, which inspired the film.
3) Where does most of the film Hugo take place?
Correct Answer: A Paris train station
The film is set in the beautifully rendered Gare Montparnasse, a bustling train station in 1930s Paris. Within its labyrinth of corridors, platforms, and hidden clock towers, Hugo makes his home and conducts his secret mechanical work. The station serves as both a literal and metaphorical hub connecting the characters’ stories.
4) What does Hugo try to repair throughout the film?
Correct Answer: An automaton
The automaton — a mechanical man designed to write — is central to the plot. Hugo believes that fixing it will deliver a message from his late father. The mysterious machine ultimately becomes a key to uncovering Georges Méliès’s forgotten past, symbolizing the magic of invention and storytelling.
5) Which actress plays the role of Isabelle?
Correct Answer: Chloë Grace Moretz
Chloë Grace Moretz plays Isabelle, a curious and well-read girl who becomes Hugo’s close friend and partner in his quest. Her enthusiasm for adventure and her mysterious godfather help propel the narrative, making her one of the film’s most engaging and charming characters.
6) What famous filmmaker is revealed to be Isabelle’s godfather?
Correct Answer: Georges Méliès
The twist of the film reveals that Isabelle’s godfather is none other than Georges Méliès — a real-life pioneer of cinema. Once a magician and visionary filmmaker, Méliès fell into obscurity after World War I. Hugo brings his story to life, honoring his contributions to cinema through historical flashbacks and emotional storytelling.
7) What does Hugo steal from the toy shop?
Correct Answer: Mechanical parts
Desperate to fix the automaton, Hugo steals small mechanical parts from the toy shop run by Méliès. This leads to his first encounter with the old toymaker, setting the story in motion. The mechanical pieces mirror the fragmented state of both Hugo’s and Méliès’s lives — broken but repairable.
8) What is the Station Inspector’s main goal in the film?
Correct Answer: To catch orphaned children
The Station Inspector, played by Sacha Baron Cohen, patrols the station with strict discipline. His main goal is to catch orphans like Hugo and send them to the orphanage. Though initially a comic antagonist, he is eventually shown to have his own emotional backstory and vulnerabilities.
9) What cinematic invention is featured prominently in Hugo?
Correct Answer: The early motion picture camera
The film pays tribute to the earliest days of filmmaking, especially through Méliès’s pioneering work. Devices like hand-cranked cameras, projectors, and sets from early silent films are lovingly recreated. Hugo celebrates these innovations and reintroduces their wonder to a modern audience.
10) How does Hugo’s father die?
Correct Answer: In a fire at the museum
Hugo’s father, a clockmaker, perishes in a tragic fire at the museum where he worked. His death leaves Hugo alone, driving his obsession with fixing the automaton they had been working on together. The loss also sets up Hugo’s emotional journey toward connection, purpose, and healing through friendship and discovery.
