* AwardSnub: The film received three UsefulNotes/AcademyAward nominations and went home empty-handed. It wasn't nominated for Best Picture.
* HarsherInHindsight: In an age of [=#MeToo=] Lester's behavior towards women at work is obviously sexual harassment.
* MemeticMutation: The line most people remember from the film is "Comedy equals tragedy plus time".
* MoralEventHorizon: [[spoiler: When Judah decides to have his mistress murdered]]. [[spoiler: If not then, then it's certainly when Judah stops feeling guilty about it.]]
* StrawmanHasAPoint: Early in the film, Lester calls Cliff a loser right to his face. Based on Cliff's actions during the rest of the film, Lester was tactless but correct.
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