What’s Aged the Best?
The Los Angeles descent; Mrs. Christian; Cage’s reaction; Max’s rules; the Clevelander; Anthony Heald; the detective work; Machine; desperation
In the discussion (9)
Approx. transcript time · 00:53:00Read transcript
- The stylized Los Angeles montage is praised even though its red-light district is described as a fabricated composite.
- Mrs. Christian’s desire for the truth is appreciated; the panel wishes her first viewing of the film had been shown.
- Cage’s extreme reaction to viewing the film is placed among his memorable overacting moments.
- Max’s incomplete rules of life are admired and said to come from the original screenplay.
- The Clevelander is named as an enduring detail.
- Anthony Heald is praised for conveying the lawyer’s superiority and comfort around depravity.
- Specific scenes and the traceable investigative process are praised, from the mother and former boyfriend to film enlargement, tattoos, and tedious searching.
- Machine and the absence of a larger rational conspiracy remain effective.
- The film’s atmosphere of desperation is considered particularly resonant at the time of the recording.