Butler's law training and firing as a trainee solicitor; the film's toll on Butler; filming in Philadelphia; the near-NC-17 cellmate killing; Nomos meaning law in Greek; Bruce McGill's two car-explosion deaths
The hosts say Butler graduated from law school in Glasgow, was a trainee solicitor, got fired and became an actor. — Craig Horlbeck
The hosts report Butler's own account that the film messed with him, and he went away to hike and then to India; he is called one of the most interesting people and a wished-for podcast guest.
They filmed in Philadelphia; the hosts quote Butler that veteran crew were stunned by the cellmate killing and the ratings board said it would be rated NC 17, so it was cut down. — Bill Simmons
Nomos, Clyde's janitor identity, is said to mean law in Greek. — Bill Simmons
The hosts note Bruce McGill has two car-explosion deaths, the other in The Last Boy Scout; a website tracking actors' movie deaths is pitched. — Bill Simmons
The warden was played by President Logan from 24; the speaker looked up the name, Gregory Itzin, and says he wins. — Van Lathan
Michael Kelly, as Clyde's former co-worker, is also offered, but is said to have ascended past That Guy status with Landman and Lioness. — Bill Simmons
Stephen Tobolowski is another possible that-guy selection.
The large field includes Philip Baker Hall, Gina Gershian, Stephen Toboloski and Rip Torn; Torn’s small role prompts speculation that scenes were cut.
The roster continues with the Pepsi-commercial daughter actor, Comfior, Debbie Mazar, Lindsay Krauss, Michael Gambon and the actor playing the FBI contact; garbled names remain unresolved. — Bill Simmons
McGill’s triple crown is attractive, while Lindsay Krause is praised as accomplished but often unnamed, with House of Games recommended.
Bruce McGill’s Mississippi courtroom outburst is the initial sole nomination and prompts a possible triple crown.
Mann’s willingness to allow large performances is discussed, with uncertainty about whether the deposition outburst is historical or invented. — Sean Fennessey
Michael Gambon, the golfer henchman and Stephen Tobolowski are offered as runners-up.
The rainy car conversation and Tylenol story are admired, though the Knicks semifinals wording is criticized.
The actor-to-actor feeling-out is a Michael Mann strength; the journalist must seduce and push the source while leaving the choice to him.
The lunch scene makes the confidentiality and litigation obstacle clear through a well-written exposition exchange, eating and moving foreground figures.
Recognizable supporting faces help track the complicated cast but can also distract. — Chris Ryan
The Mississippi proceedings and Gulf contemplation are nominated; the later vacation beach image repeats the water motif. — Bill Simmons
The sale discovery, Wallace siding with Don and early hotel visit reveal corporate pressure and Wallace concern about his legacy. — Sean Fennessey
The explosive Hewitt confrontation is nominated, with Philip Baker Hall praised as an arch-villain.
The driving-range intimidation signals real danger, compared with All the President’s Men; the suited golfer has a stronger swing than Crow. — Chris Ryan
A first hotel-visit preference is revised to the Gulf and Bruce McGill courtroom eruption. — Craig Horlbeck
The courtroom feels like an emotional turning point, but another preference requires Pacino and favors his explosive confrontation.
The closing choice is Pacino unleashed; earlier differing preferences remain part of the discussion.
The spoken title is enjoyed, as is the convertible answer to the beans-and-flatulence joke. — Bill Simmons
The Joey Callo name momentarily evokes Joey Gallo and his later baseball namesake. — Bill Simmons
Bruce McGill’s anecdote about laughing at himself on an airplane illustrates the film’s durable rerun appeal; he is considered too established for That Guy eligibility. — Bill Simmons
Belichick’s Mona Lisa Vito reference during Deflategate is selected as a particularly strong example of the movie’s cultural afterlife. — Bill Simmons
The screenplay’s pattern of people underestimating one another before finding common ground remains satisfying and warm. — Chris Ryan
Mona Lisa’s wardrobe, particularly the biological-clock jumpsuit, remains striking and is compared with The Nanny’s clothes.
Mona Lisa’s styling includes shoulder pads, a black suit with purple trim and gold studs, and appealing unmade-up hotel-room moments. — Wesley Morris
A Bruce McGill Award for a That Guy who graduated is floated, or bequeathing the Joey Pants award to McGill as 'the McGillicuddies'; taking it from Joey Pants is resisted, though designations have moved before. — Chris Ryan
Joey Pants graduates named are Bruce McGill and Chelsea Ross, who plays the senator and completes a sports-movie Mount Rushmore with Hoosiers, Rudy and Major League. — Bill Simmons
