Most Rewatchable Scene · 32:47
The opening tracking shot
Bill Simmons: The 7:47 opening tracking shot is nominated and ultimately selected.
Bill Simmons: The opening includes Buck Henry pitching The Graduate Part II.
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31:41
32:47
49:37
1:00:28
1:11:17
1:12:46
1:14:26
1:15:28
1:15:39
1:16:35
1:19:43
1:22:51
1:30:23
1:34:28
1:36:32
1:41:22
1:42:17
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Who won the movie
Robert Altman
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Roger Ebert
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Dion Waiters Award
Whoopi Goldberg
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“That Guy” Award
Leah Ayres
What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie? · 1:41:22
The M poster, Griffin’s suit and Rolls-Royce, the Rialto cinema, and the studio jeans
Sean Fennessey: The M poster is proposed.
Cast
Selected cast credits · Film reference
Tim Robbins
Griffin Mill
Greta Scacchi
June Gudmundsdottir
Fred Ward
Walter Stuckel
Whoopi Goldberg
Detective Susan Avery
Peter Gallagher
Larry Levy
Brion James
Joel Levison
Cynthia Stevenson
Bonnie Sherow
Vincent D'Onofrio
David Kahane
Dean Stockwell
Andy Sivella
Richard E. Grant
Tom Oakley
Everything from the episode
In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.
31:41
Roger Ebert's review
In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:31:41Read transcript
- Ebert awarded the film four stars. — Bill Simmons
- The quoted review calls the movie smart and funny. — Bill Simmons
- The quoted review says Hollywood functions as a metaphor for 1980s avarice. — Bill Simmons
- The quoted review calls it the movie The Bonfire of the Vanities wanted to be. — Bill Simmons
32:47
Most Rewatchable Scene
The opening tracking shot
The opening tracking shot
In the discussion (14)
Approx. transcript time · 00:32:47Read transcript
- The 7:47 opening tracking shot is nominated and ultimately selected. — Bill Simmons
- The opening includes Buck Henry pitching The Graduate Part II. — Bill Simmons
- The opening’s rapid movie-pitch mashups are praised.
- Fred Ward discussing Touch of Evil while admitting gaps in his movie knowledge is praised. — Wesley Morris
- The large party where Sidney Pollack appears is nominated. — Bill Simmons
- The Burt Reynolds party exchange is praised. — Bill Simmons
- Griffin confronting David Kahane at the Rialto and the ensuing murder are nominated. — Bill Simmons
- The hotel-pool Habeas Corpus pitch is nominated. — Bill Simmons
- Griffin’s generic black-tie speech about movies as art is nominated. — Bill Simmons
- The one-year-later Habeas Corpus ending with Julia Roberts and Bruce Willis is nominated. — Bill Simmons
- The final in-car pitch of The Player and Griffin’s homecoming are nominated. — Bill Simmons
- The Pasadena interrogation with Lyle Lovett and Whoopi Goldberg is nominated. — Wesley Morris
- Whoopi Goldberg’s tampon exchange is highlighted. — Wesley Morris
- The lineup scene and Whoopi Goldberg’s pressure on the witness are praised. — Sean Fennessey
49:37
What’s Aged the Best?
Early-1990s Los Angeles, the no-stars pitch, cameos, Randall Batinkoff, anonymous threats, and Hollywood-insider jokes
Early-1990s Los Angeles, the no-stars pitch, cameos, Randall Batinkoff, anonymous threats, and Hollywood-insider jokes
In the discussion (14)
Approx. transcript time · 00:49:37Read transcript
- The pre-internet early-1990s Los Angeles movie world is praised. — Bill Simmons
- Executives recoiling from a movie with no stars is praised. — Bill Simmons
- Jeremy Piven’s pre-hairpiece appearance is highlighted. — Bill Simmons
- Anjelica Huston and John Cusack visibly disliking Griffin is a favorite cameo moment.
- Randall Batinkoff’s funny supporting role and failed star trajectory are highlighted. — Bill Simmons
- The mystery-person postcard device is praised as reliably effective. — Bill Simmons
- Brion James’s studio-chief presence is praised. — Bill Simmons
- Larry Levy attending AA meetings to make deals despite not drinking is praised. — Bill Simmons
- Malcolm McDowell’s cameo is praised. — Bill Simmons
- The movie marks Sidney Pollack’s return to acting before a later run.
- The running assumption that Julia Roberts and Bruce Willis fit every movie is praised. — Bill Simmons
- The Pasadena insult is highlighted. — Bill Simmons
- Griffin being served a different bottled-water brand in each venue is highlighted. — Bill Simmons
- The movie’s insider view of powerful institutions is connected to later storytelling. — Bill Simmons
1:00:28
What’s Aged the Worst?
Spelling Entertainment, car phones and fax machines, the rattlesnake, Griffin’s police-station laugh, June’s characte...
Spelling Entertainment, car phones and fax machines, the rattlesnake, Griffin’s police-station laugh, June’s characterization, clothes, and the Range Rover
In the discussion (10)
Approx. transcript time · 01:00:28Read transcript
- Spelling Entertainment’s credit alongside its television slate is treated as incongruous.
- Car fax machines and giant mobile phones are dated. — Bill Simmons
- June Gudmundsdottir’s unusually long name is questioned, then explained as common in Iceland. — Wesley Morris
- The rattlesnake-in-the-car torment is questioned. — Sean Fennessey
- Griffin’s police-station laughing scene is considered overly broad. — Bill Simmons
- June’s motivations and lack of suspicion toward Griffin are questioned. — Bill Simmons
- The panel disputes whether the problem is Greta Scacchi’s performance or the character writing.
- June is read as an intentionally distant noir-artist archetype.
- The double-breasted clothes are criticized. — Bill Simmons
- The Range Rover as a power vehicle is treated as dated.
1:11:17
Casting What-Ifs
Chevy Chase and John Travolta were considered for Griffin, and several cut cameos and cast relationships are discussed.
Chevy Chase and John Travolta were considered for Griffin, and several cut cameos and cast relationships are discussed.
In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:17Read transcript
- Chevy Chase wanted to play Griffin, but Warner Bros. rejected the idea. — Bill Simmons
- Robert Altman reportedly considered John Travolta for Griffin. — Bill Simmons
- The panel prefers Robbins and notes his early-1990s career run. — Wesley Morris
- Jeff Daniels golfing in surgical clothes and Patrick Swayze doing karate were filmed and cut. — Bill Simmons
- Greta Scacchi and Vincent D’Onofrio were in a relationship and had a daughter. — Bill Simmons
1:12:46
The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award
Leah Ayres
In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:12:46Read transcript
- Richard E. Grant is the runner-up for his manic Habeas Corpus pitch. — Bill Simmons
- Leah Ayres, identified through Bloodsport, is selected because the hosts recognize her but did not know her name. — Bill Simmons
1:14:26
Best Former That Guy / Former Joey Pants Award
Fred Ward; possibly Brion James
Fred Ward; possibly Brion James
The panel proposes a new category here.
In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:14:26Read transcript
- The panel explicitly proposes Best Former That Guy, also called the Former Joey Pants Award, for movies at least 30 years old. — Bill Simmons
- Fred Ward is discussed as a performer who changed from an unnamed familiar face into a recognized actor by Tremors. — Bill Simmons
- Brion James is offered as someone who may still qualify as a That Guy. — Bill Simmons
1:15:28
The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award
Cynthia Stevenson as Bonnie, in the climactic confrontation
Cynthia Stevenson as Bonnie, in the climactic confrontation
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:15:28Read transcript
- Cynthia Stevenson’s final confrontation is selected as the moment when the casting starts to come apart. — Bill Simmons
1:15:39
The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance
Whoopi Goldberg
In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:15:39Read transcript
- Whoopi Goldberg is selected for dominating a small number of scenes. — Bill Simmons
- Richard E. Grant is nominated for his pitch performance. — Bill Simmons
- Dean Stockwell is nominated. — Bill Simmons
1:16:35
Recasting Couch
Robert De Niro for Fred Ward’s role is the strongest recasting proposal, alongside multiple ideas for Bonnie.
Robert De Niro for Fred Ward’s role is the strongest recasting proposal, alongside multiple ideas for Bonnie.
In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:35Read transcript
- Robert De Niro is proposed for Fred Ward’s security-chief role. — Bill Simmons
- Jennifer Jason Leigh is proposed for Bonnie. — Wesley Morris
- Mary McDonnell is considered for Bonnie. — Wesley Morris
- Holly Hunter is considered for Bonnie. — Wesley Morris
- Joan Cusack is considered for Bonnie.
- Annabella Sciorra is considered for Bonnie. — Sean Fennessey
- Glenn Headly is considered for Bonnie. — Wesley Morris
- Lisa Kudrow is considered for Bonnie. — Wesley Morris
1:19:43
Half-Assed Internet Research
Production accounts cover the actors’ boundaries, improvisation, and Altman’s rationale for the film’s nudity.
Production accounts cover the actors’ boundaries, improvisation, and Altman’s rationale for the film’s nudity.
In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:19:43Read transcript
- Greta Scacchi reportedly negotiated limits on nudity. — Bill Simmons
- Burt Reynolds reportedly improvised material during the opening shot. — Bill Simmons
- Altman reportedly explained Cynthia Stevenson’s nude scene as part of exposing Hollywood’s power imbalance. — Bill Simmons
- A Paul Newman anecdote is quoted to illustrate performers negotiating exposure and control.
1:22:51
Apex Mountain
Cynthia Stevenson, double-breasted suits, Leeza Gibbons in 1992, and Randall Batinkoff’s early-1990s run: yes
Cynthia Stevenson, double-breasted suits, Leeza Gibbons in 1992, and Randall Batinkoff’s early-1990s run: yes
In the discussion (15)
Approx. transcript time · 01:22:51Read transcript
- Tim Robbins is judged short of an overall career apex.
- Vincent D’Onofrio’s Law & Order work is suggested as his apex.
- Robert Altman’s Nashville and immediate post-MASH power are weighed. — Sean Fennessey
- Cynthia Stevenson is explicitly judged at her apex. — Sean Fennessey
- The Player competes with other Hollywood-industry satires. — Wesley Morris
- Peter Gallagher is judged not at his apex. — Wesley Morris
- Double-breasted suits are called a period apex, with hope that the style stays buried.
- Leeza Gibbons is judged at her apex in 1992. — Bill Simmons
- Fred Ward is judged not at his apex. — Bill Simmons
- Brion James is judged probably not at his apex. — Bill Simmons
- Whoopi Goldberg’s Ghost and Sister Act period is identified as the apex context. — Bill Simmons
- Greta Scacchi’s Presumed Innocent period is compared. — Bill Simmons
- Outdoor Los Angeles meals and drinks are placed at a 2020–2022 apex. — Bill Simmons
- Randall Batinkoff’s School Ties, Buffy, and The Player run is judged his apex. — Bill Simmons
- Murdering a screenwriter is rejected as an apex-worthy behavior. — Bill Simmons
1:30:23
Picking Nits
Visibility, investigation, postcard, drug-use, and motive problems
Visibility, investigation, postcard, drug-use, and motive problems
In the discussion (7)
Approx. transcript time · 01:30:23Read transcript
- June seemingly fails to recognize Griffin through a window despite having seen him.
- David Kahane appears unusually informed about studio operations. — Bill Simmons
- The objection is partly withdrawn because trade coverage could explain his knowledge. — Bill Simmons
- Details of the murder appear to circulate implausibly quickly. — Bill Simmons
- The threatening postcards stop for roughly a year without a satisfying practical explanation. — Bill Simmons
- The movie is said to contain too little cocaine for its Hollywood setting. — Bill Simmons
- The blackmailing writer’s motive is unclear: credit, acknowledgment, a screenplay sale, or cosmic justice. — Bill Simmons
1:34:28
Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake
A ten-episode contemporary adaptation; doubtful it would improve on Altman
A ten-episode contemporary adaptation; doubtful it would improve on Altman
In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:34:28Read transcript
- A ten-episode version could spend more time with the different characters. — Bill Simmons
- A contemporary version could update the story with the internet. — Bill Simmons
- The mystery element is offered as a reason an episodic version could sustain binge viewing. — Bill Simmons
- The hosts would adapt the book rather than remake Altman’s movie.
1:36:32
Probably Unanswerable Questions
Did Altman see the future of movies? Yes—recurring industry crises and artistic risk moving to television
Did Altman see the future of movies? Yes—recurring industry crises and artistic risk moving to television
In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 01:36:32Read transcript
- Did Altman see the future of movies? — Sean Fennessey
- The panel answers yes and cites Griffin’s transparently hollow gala speech. — Sean Fennessey
- The panel notes that declarations of cinema’s death recur across decades. — Sean Fennessey
- Recent movies are defended as good even as viewing shifts toward home platforms. — Wesley Morris
- The Underground Railroad is cited as ambitious work that struggled to break through.
- Television is described as a place where established creators can take larger swings. — Bill Simmons
1:41:22
What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?
The M poster, Griffin’s suit and Rolls-Royce, the Rialto cinema, and the studio jeans
The M poster, Griffin’s suit and Rolls-Royce, the Rialto cinema, and the studio jeans
In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:41:22Read transcript
- The M poster is proposed. — Sean Fennessey
- Griffin’s suit is proposed. — Sean Fennessey
- Griffin’s Rolls-Royce is proposed. — Bill Simmons
- The Rialto cinema or its sign is proposed. — Bill Simmons
- The conspicuous studio jeans are proposed. — Bill Simmons
1:42:17
Who Won the Movie?
Robert Altman
In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:42:17Read transcript
- The panel immediately agrees that Altman wins. — Bill Simmons
- The win is framed as another major Altman comeback. — Bill Simmons
Mentions across The Rewatchables
Double Feature
Quiz Show
The Rewatchables · aired October 21, 2025
Donnie Brasco; The English Patient; Network; The Player
Approx. transcript time · 01:29:16Read transcript
Source 1