MovieChat Forums > In the Company of Men (1997) Discussion > 'We need scotch'

'We need scotch'

posted 14 years ago by transmentalist
6 replies | jump to latest

Early on, Chad & Howard are sitting in a bar, and the waitress brings them beers. Chad says, "Do we look like frat boys to you? We need scotch."

Have you ever been to a bar that just serves "beer" or "scotch"? Or just brings you generic beer without you ordering anything?

Seemed strange to me. I realize the purpose of the scene was to establish Chad's arrogance and his hostility towards the just-out-of-college up-and-coming types. But still...

It's a small moment, but I love this movie so every odd thing sticks out as a result.

[–] mayjachance 14 years ago

IME...If you order 'Beer' you will get funny looks. Not in the movies though.

If you order 'Scotch' you will get the bottom shelf Scotch (Johnny Red, Black Douglas etc.)

[–] r-taylor13-848-416837 12 years ago

hah, I always think that, I'm waiting for the barman to be like.. "Ok.. what type of beer?"

[–] Benihanahasnofunflare 12 years ago

Scotch was needed. Bottom line.

[–] UN_Jefferson 11 years ago

Howard probably ordered the beers while Chad was in the restroom or something before sitting down.

[–] transmentalist 10 years ago

Howard probably ordered the beers while Chad was in the restroom or something before sitting down.

That makes perfect sense. Also makes sense that Howard would clam up about it and let the waitress look bad.

[–] ExTechOp (2770) 4 years ago

Turns out it’s common in films for oddly practical reasons:

https://www.cracked.com/article_29549_4-extremely-normal-things-movies-struggle-with-hard.html

Naming the beer calls attention to itself, and potentially makes the audience think of product placement

As for why she even brought them beers, I like the theory that Howard ordered them & didn’t ‘fess up when Chad sent them back

It’s also possible that LaBute, a teetotaler, doesn’t know how bars work.