In answer to your question, the firecrackers were inspired by a scene in Putney Swope, directed by one of PTA's heroes, Robert Downey Sr. He called him up to ask permission to use the idea before he shot the scene. Boom. Your blog rocks.

Ben, thanks for that background. It's such a great and inspired bit of business, every lurch of the three guys on the couch building in intensity. So many layers of things going on in the scene, just exceptional writing and execution. Huge PTA fan. Can't wait to see The Master.

This scene is one of my favorites ever. I'm guessing they couldn't get the rights to the REO Speedwagon song and had to go with Rick Springfield? Glad it happened because Alfred Molina singing "Jessie's Girl" is great.

It's a good thing the writer directed that movie. Todd didn't load "a cartridge", the action of loading the weapon wasn't shown - the sound of the .45 auto's slide being cycled was heard but the visual was obscured by the car door. And later Todd's weapon was described as a revolver. I wonder if an unknown writer wrote such sloppy description if a reader would read beyond the first page? I did enjoy the movie when it came out.