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Zodiac The Rewatchables
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Zodiac

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Zodiac as the greatest American crime film; Zodiac as the greatest serial-killer brand

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 02:01:50Read transcript
  • A modern Zodiac case would be flattened into partisan internet discourse.
  • Zodiac is proposed as the greatest American crime film.
  • Its attention to the actual work of solving crime distinguishes it.
  • The Zodiac is proposed as the greatest serial killer by legacy and elusiveness.
  • The self-created name and communications are cited as a uniquely strong gimmick.
  • Modern DNA and cameras are said to make serial killing harder.
  • Taking credit for unrelated crimes may have distorted the investigation.
Zodiac The Rewatchables
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Zodiac

Casting What-Ifs

Gary Oldman, Orlando Bloom, Brad Pitt, and Jennifer Aniston appear in a detailed casting history.

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 02:07:46Read transcript
  • Gary Oldman was considered for Melvin Belli but physical resemblance was an issue.
  • Orlando Bloom was lined up as an alternative Graysmith.
  • Jennifer Aniston reportedly recommended Gyllenhaal and Ruffalo to Fincher.
  • Aniston declined the Chloë Sevigny role.
  • Fincher wanted Brad Pitt for Avery before Robert Downey Jr.
  • The panel prefers Downey’s fast, nervy energy for Avery.
Zodiac The Rewatchables
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Zodiac

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

No single winner: John Terry, Charles Fleischer, and other veteran supporting actors

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 02:09:32Read transcript
  • John Getz is nominated but considered too recognizable.
  • John Terry is nominated.
  • Charles Fleischer is nominated.
  • The actor who played Father Intintola on The Sopranos is nominated.
  • The actor associated with Kicking and Screaming and Beverly Hills, 90210 is nominated.
  • The panel notes that many classic That Guys have graduated from eligibility.
Zodiac The Rewatchables
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Zodiac

Recasting Couch

Reject Michael Keaton for Anthony Edwards; John Slattery for the ensemble

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 02:12:16Read transcript
  • Michael Keaton is proposed for Anthony Edwards’s role.
  • The proposal is rejected because Keaton would be too large for the role’s assist function.
  • Fincher reportedly called Anthony Edwards the embodiment of an assist.
  • John Slattery is proposed for an unspecified supporting role.
Zodiac The Rewatchables
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Zodiac

Half-Assed Internet Research

Period reconstruction, digital photography, a 1972 sting film, repeated straw takes, Ruffalo’s deal, and a cocktail

In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 02:15:19Read transcript
  • Production used period photos to recreate streets, cars, and the number of Volkswagen Beetles.
  • The Thomson Viper digital camera is discussed as an early major digital-production choice.
  • A 1972 Zodiac movie was reportedly screened as part of an attempted sting.
  • The filmmakers behind that movie hoped the killer would attend.
  • Downey’s straw trick reportedly required 26 takes.
  • Ruffalo recounts a blunt studio negotiation over his casting.
  • The movie’s cocktail recipe is enumerated and judged unappealing.
Zodiac The Rewatchables
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Zodiac

Apex Mountain

David Fincher (creative apex disputed); Mark Ruffalo as a movie detective; John Carroll Lynch; Zodiac within Fincher’s filmography

In the discussion (10)
Approx. transcript time · 02:17:56Read transcript
  • Fincher’s apex is disputed among Zodiac, The Social Network, Fight Club, and Gone Girl, with a distinct case for Zodiac as his creative apex.
  • Mark Ruffalo is judged at an apex specifically as a movie detective, with Zodiac favored over Collateral.
  • Gyllenhaal’s apex is debated against Nightcrawler and his End of Watch/Prisoners period.
  • San Francisco movies are measured against 48 Hrs., Bullitt, and Dirty Harry.
  • Chloë Sevigny is rejected in favor of The Last Days of Disco.
  • Fincher villains are compared, with John Doe favored over Arthur Leigh Allen and Mark Zuckerberg.
  • John Carroll Lynch movies are compared, and Zodiac is chosen over Fargo.
  • Donovan needle drops are compared across Zodiac, To Die For, and Goodfellas.
  • Wooden dildos receive a joking apex discussion.
  • Zodiac is selected as Fincher’s best or favorite movie, with Seven and other later films discussed.
Zodiac The Rewatchables
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Zodiac

Cruise or Hanks?

Split choice: Tom Hanks and Tom Cruise

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 02:26:44Read transcript
  • The category is introduced as “Cruise or Hanks.”
  • One audible choice favors Hanks.
  • Another audible choice favors Cruise, followed by agreement that Cruise is fun in the movie.
  • Cruise and Hanks are each tested as Graysmith and Toschi, with concern that either recasting loses Ruffalo.
  • The panel explicitly says it does not really have to choose.
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