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.
‹ All movies
31:41
1:11:17
1:16:35
1:19:43
1:30:23
1:36:32
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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
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
1:16:35
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.
1:30:23
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
1:36:32
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
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