What’s Aged the Worst?
Accents; thin Black characters; Spacey; Lucien; dynamite; near-affair
In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 00:53:00Read transcript
- Fricker’s Southern accent is criticized as an unnecessary use of an Irish actor in Mississippi.
- The lack of developed Black characters and Schumacher’s suitability as a white director are challenged.
- Spacey’s later reputation and broadly villainous performance are both criticized, while the film itself is not blamed for later events.
- Donald Sutherland’s drunken mentor and accent disappoint; Richard Harris, Peter O’Toole, Hopkins or an actual Southern veteran are imagined as alternatives.
- The dynamite disposal, throwing it toward a tree before it explodes, is called ridiculous.
- Jake and Ellen’s drunken near-affair is considered implausibly restrained; the discussion distinguishes physical fidelity from emotional adultery and notes Hollywood’s need to preserve audience sympathy.