Whether corn would kill is questioned, with suffocation, debris and inability to escape offered in defense; the greenhouse death in another film is compared. — Mallory Rubin
Racial profiling is objectionable, and surviving blood loss and infection with a poultice strains belief. — Bill Simmons
Book's rapid recovery to heavy carpentry, lifting and fighting is implausible. — Mallory Rubin
The killers should hear Samuel urinating, and his swift evasive instincts are questioned while admired. — Mallory Rubin
Samuel's unspoiled instincts could explain his quick response to danger. — Bill Simmons
McPhee should bring backup and finish the garage attack given the money at stake. — Mallory Rubin
How corrupt officers could spend such a large fortune without attracting attention is unresolved; retirement or hidden investments are suggested. — Bill Simmons

1:26:53

Robert Redford; David Cronenberg; Burt Reynolds; uncertain Isabella Rossellini report

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:26:53Read transcript

Redford reportedly sought the lead but producers feared disruptive rewrites; Cronenberg reportedly declined directing. — Bill Simmons
Reynolds reportedly wanted the part then withdrew; a Rossellini offer is treated as uncertain research. — Bill Simmons
Ford reportedly doubted McGillis before Weir persuaded him; whether this reflected her personally or inexperience is unresolved. — Bill Simmons

1:29:41

Geena Davis; Michelle Pfeiffer considered

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:29:41Read transcript

Geena Davis is supported as alternate Rachel; Pfeiffer is considered but her knowingness may conflict with the role. Lancaster/York is regarded as irreplaceable setting. — Bill Simmons

1:31:02

Role preparation; barn raising; silo safety; boycott; Kurosawa’s admiration

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 01:31:02Read transcript

Ford researched Philadelphia homicide while McGillis lived with an Amish widow and seven children; Ford deliberately avoided Amish research to preserve Book's ignorance. — Bill Simmons
Character-based excuses for research are compared with Rupert Grint's homework anecdote, followed by sexual jokes. — Mallory Rubin
The barn raising expanded from a paragraph; the silo actor reportedly had a hidden scuba regulator, prompting concern and jokes about danger. — Bill Simmons
An Amish religious-freedom organization reportedly urged boycott; Kurosawa's admiration is celebrated. — Bill Simmons

1:36:14

Jacob’s death; unshown intimacy; later relationships; adapting to Amish life

In the discussion (10)

Approx. transcript time · 01:36:14Read transcript

The upper-body-only bath and Book's toileting while injured raise practical questions. — Mallory Rubin
Jacob's cause of death is unknown; an orchestrated accident is jokingly proposed then doubted because Daniel appears incapable of violence. — Mallory Rubin
Illness compounded by inadequate treatment is another speculative explanation, with intentionally absurd remedy jokes. — Bill Simmons
Sex after the kiss is affirmed on the basis of the screenplay and DVD essay, despite not being shown. — Mallory Rubin
The location of that intimacy is unknown; grass, a grave, an unfinished barn and the dance barn are imagined alternatives. — Mallory Rubin
Whether Daniel could satisfy Rachel after Book is questioned. — Mallory Rubin
Continued contact between Book and Samuel is hoped for and considered likely, with a return visit potentially unsettling the marriage. — Bill Simmons
A later letter reporting Eli's death from poor treatment is a joke. — Mallory Rubin
Living Amish is appealing only in selected respects: Book and fresh food attract, while losing television does not; cream in coffee prompts a digression. — Mallory Rubin
Electricity, religion, showers, sports and media would obstruct adapting to Amish life; the initial belief there is no coffee is corrected by the movie's coffee scene. — Mallory Rubin