What’s Aged the Worst?
Luis; Nirvana’s absence; dated communications; Bobby Van; Gibson reference; intrusive gestures
In the discussion (9)
Approx. transcript time · 00:11:33Read transcript
- The same romantic gestures could now feel frightening or intrusive: drunken possessiveness, a boombox outside a window and appearing at someone’s workplace are criticized.
- Post-club newsstand visits and the fear surrounding casual sex feel historically remote.
- Video dating looks obsolete but can also be read as a precursor to Tinder rather than wholly dated.
- Answering machines, broken machines and overheard live messages are dated plot mechanisms, with Swingers invoked as a later example.
- Luis’s elaborate romance deception is condemned as predatory and bizarre, especially pretending to leave for Spain while remaining nearby.
- The Bobby Van reference now requires explanation as a Make Me Laugh host.
- Nirvana’s absence is regretted; Crowe wanted Imodium, but the band publicly rejected appearing in a Seattle love story or rock movie.
- Linda’s ideal combining Holden Caulfield and Mel Gibson now carries baggage because of Gibson’s later conduct.
- The fax machine is dated, prompting an uncertain discussion of when faxing faded from ordinary use.