What’s Aged the Best?
Production design, capitalism themes, Denzel’s new career era, historical texture, and the film’s aphorisms
In the discussion (14)
Approx. transcript time · 01:07:00Read transcript
- Arthur Max’s layered production design and set dressing have aged well — Chris Ryan
- The script’s connection between corner-store economics and buying direct from manufacturers has aged well — Chris Ryan
- The film’s treatment of capitalism as more central than crime has aged well — Chris Ryan
- The drug-packing montage has aged well
- The film is identified as the start of Denzel Washington’s self-directed elder-star era — Van Lathan
- A character named Bumpy is treated as an immediate sign of a compelling gangster story — Bill Simmons
- The Vietnam addiction and smuggling context is praised as material worthy of more screen time — Chris Ryan
- Shooting 360 scenes across 180 locations is praised — Bill Simmons
- Ted Levine’s presence has aged well — Bill Simmons
- Trupo’s reaction after his car explodes has aged well
- Frank pouring sugar in his coffee as a bodyguard signal has aged well — Bill Simmons
- John Ortiz’s run from Miami Vice through Public Enemies is praised — Bill Simmons
- Five Frank Lucas aphorisms are highlighted as durable lines — Bill Simmons
- The post-meeting golf aside by Trupo’s crew is praised