Kenny was reportedly written for Breckin Meyer, unavailable due to54; he took the band role. Embry was wanted for William but insisted on Preston.
James Marsden was reportedly closely considered for Mike; Facinelli’s danger won the role. Marsden is endorsed.
Alicia Witt was wanted for Denise, a choice praised as similar to her Sybil persona.
William was initially cast with the Little Man Tate actor transcribed Adam Handbird; the speakers say he looked too young and was replaced. Exact name remains unresolved.
Reese Witherspoon and Christina Ricci are also reported Denise alternatives; one participant doubts Witherspoon’s plausibility because of her existing profile.
Nominations are framed as good scenes rather than truly rewatchable ones.
The first dinner party, from the spilled wine to the couples sitting beside spouses they seem not to like, sets the tone.
Ben’s affair reveal with Weaver’s character is nominated, including his golf babbling and her reply that she already has a husband and needs no other.
Kline left alone in Weaver’s house then discovering Wendy and Mikey with the Nixon mask is nominated and called one of the most unnerving scenes in a non-horror film.
The film handles Christina Ricci’s character without feeling exploitative; carrying her home because her feet are cold captures a child longing to be older.
Paul’s homecoming exchange with his sister shows the kids know their parents are odd.
The car ride to the key party, where Ben and Joan Allen’s character debate what will happen, is where tensions come to a simmer.
The Elton John needle drop is loved even though the party it scores lacks a payoff; the song is called a top-five Elton John song.
The key party itself is nominated, returned to in pieces until one key remains and Ben is passed out in the bathroom.
The electrocution is not fun to rewatch but is called brilliant and horror-like, with impressive ice effects for 1997.
The final 30 minutes cross-cut three storylines in a novelistic way, making it hard to isolate scenes; the key party spans about 30 minutes.
Under the Fucked Up Family February “most gripping” framing, the final 15 minutes would win, though a channel-flipper would start at the key party.
Joan Allen at the book sale meeting the Reverend and seeing Wendy on her bike is nominated by two hosts.
Ben driving Paul home from the train and discussing self-abuse is held for Aged Best.
