☆★☆★☆★☆★
Roger Ebert gave 3.5 stars and emphasized temptation, compromised means, and lost idealism.
In the discussion (2)
- The review called the screenplay smart, subtle, and ruthless.
- The hosts especially valued Ebert’s point that tempting others can carry greater blame than being tempted.
The discussion covered Redford’s search for Van Doren, Paul Newman declining Mark Van Doren, and an uncertain Soderbergh/Tim Robbins path.
In the discussion (3)
- Redford sought an American for Charles Van Doren, considered William Baldwin, and landed on Ralph Fiennes.
- Paul Newman reportedly declined Mark Van Doren.
- Steven Soderbergh’s attachment was accepted as true; the Tim Robbins detail remained uncertain.
A young Russell Crowe as Dick Goodwin was the suggestion.
In the discussion (1)
- Young Russell Crowe was proposed for Goodwin at an early point in his career.
Research covered Van Doren’s roadster, the original and revived 21, and Barry and Enright’s later careers.
In the discussion (7)
- Van Doren drove a red Mercedes-Benz 300-SL roadster, now potentially worth seven figures.
- 21 ran for three seasons.
- 21 peaked at number 21 in the ratings.
- 21 was revived in 2000 with Maury Povich.
- Dan Enright moved to Canada after the scandal.
- Jack Barry did not host another national show for more than a decade.
- Barry and Enright returned through The Joker’s Wild and became wealthy.
The unexplained prize-money structure, the Reuben claim, and insufficient period smoking were the main nits.
In the discussion (3)
- The movie does not explain what contestants truly risked or how side deals changed the prize money.
- The claim that only one person invented a sandwich was rejected.
- The 1950s setting seemed to contain too little cigarette smoke.
Questions covered Geritol, the unlived Van Doren path, whether 21 would work now, and what the hosts would do if offered answers.
In the discussion (4)
- What exactly was Geritol and what did it claim to do?
- What would Charles Van Doren’s life have been if he rejected the compromised question?
- Would the hosts watch a modern revival of 21?
- What would each host do in Van Doren’s situation?
Donnie Brasco led the host discussion; The English Patient, Network, and The Player were also proposed.
In the discussion (3)
- Donnie Brasco was praised as the strongest pairing because of the same writer and outsider-seduction theme.
- The English Patient was the initial alternative.
- Craig proposed Network or The Player as media-industry pairings.
Roger Ebert's review