Greatest Classic Movie Quotes of All Time

We have all heard and read movie quotes here and there which have affected us in some way or another. We have tried to find and even make situations so that we could just say that particular quote verbatim. We try to remember and mimic them so that we could share the same feeling that the actor in the character of the movie felt. Every movie quote becomes a cinematic incantation because the actor's delivery and the movie's plot gave impetus to it.
In this article, I am going to mention some of my favorite quotes taken from "AFI's 100 Years...100 Movie Quotes" (American Film Institute - AFI) and what I felt as the significance behind them. I will be mentioning some elements of the plot as well, so proceed at your own risk. But they won’t be any major spoilers.

1.     Quote: "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."          

Movie: "Gone with the Wind (1939)"

AFI Rank: 1

This famous line was said by Clark Gable in his portrayal of Rhett Butler to Vivien Leigh's character Scarlett O'Hara almost at the end of the movie. Gone with the Wind is an American epic historical romance film based on the 1936 novel by Margaret Mitchell set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction Era. If adjusted for inflation, then it is still the highest grossing film in film history. What makes this line a memorable quote is Rhett's struggle in the movie for Scarlett's love and how he got disappointed at every turn. When he finally prepares to leave for good, she tells him how much she loves him and he says these words to her. You can feel the joy and sadness for both the characters concurrently. To understand the gravity of his words, one must see the movie.

2.     Quote: “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse” 

Movie: "The Godfather (1972)"

AFI Rank: 2

This memorable quote was spoken by Marlon Brando in his iconic portrayal of Vito Corleone to his godson Johnny Fontane played by Al Martino. The Godfather is an American crime film based on Mario Puzo’s novel of the same name. It is regarded as one of the greatest films ever made in the gangster genre. This quote comes almost at the beginning of the movie and it shows the power and charisma of Brando’s character in the film. His role as The Godfather to Fontane is exhorted by this line and coerces the spectator to realize the command of Vito Corleone in the film as the Don of New York. The acting and direction of the movie is brilliant and is a must watch for any movie aficionado.

      3.     Quote: “You talking to me?”     

Movie: "Taxi Driver (1976)"

AFI Rank: 10

This was spoken by Robert De Niro in his portrayal of Travis Bickle while practicing drawing a gun in front of the mirror. Taxi Driver is a masterpiece of directing legend Martin Scorsese set in New York City after the end of the Vietnam War. This line is said multiple times by Travis, who turns a vigilante after being disgusted by crime and prostitution that he witnesses throughout the city. His character is an honorably discharged U.S. Marine who becomes a taxi driver to cope with his insomnia. This dialogue gives the viewer insight into the mind of Travis, a person who is not highly educated, a war veteran and doesn’t understand the propriety of social beings. You can fathom the workings of a mind whose thoughts are devolving into chaos and violence. You can’t be an idolater of Scorsese or De Niro if you haven’t experienced this film.

4.     Quote: “A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.”           

Movie: "The Silence of the Lambs (1991)"

AFI Rank: 21

This eerie line was spoken by great Anthony Hopkins in his portrayal of a psychotic cannibalistic serial killer psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter to Clarice Starling played by Jodie Foster. The Silence of the Lambs is an American thriller directed by Jonathan Demme based on the Thomas Harris’ 1988 novel of the same name. The novel was the second to feature Hannibal Lecter in the series. This film won Academy Awards in all the top five categories. This dialogue depicts the brilliance of the psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter in the manipulation of Starling’s mind. Simultaneously, it brings a horror mien to the movie giving a shudder and thrilling sensation to the watcher. One of the key points which I noticed was the close up head shots of Hopkins throughout the movie through which Demme showed the audaciousness of Lecter.

5.     Quote: “You can’t handle the truth!”    

Movie: "A Few Good Men (1992)"

AFI Rank: 29

This was spoken by magnificent Jack Nicholson in his portrayal of Colonel Nathan R. Jessup to Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee played by Tom Cruise. A Few Good Men is an American courtroom drama film directed by Rob Reiner adapted from the play of the same name. It is one of the best courtroom drama films I have ever seen. Each scene in this film is a chef-d'oeuvre especially the last half an hour of the movie. The dialogue delivery of Jack Nicholson has always been peculiar, the way he acts and speaks is dynamic. This dialogue reflects the antithetic veneer of moral wisdom and leaves you to think about virtues of life and honor. This movie is a must watch for any cinema lover and fans of Nicholson.

You can see all the quotes by going through this link: 

AFI'S 100 GREATEST MOVIE QUOTES OF ALL TIME


Do let me know any of your favorite quotes not mentioned by AFI in the comments below...

Movies You Must Watch This Christmas

I would like to mention some movies which had beautiful Christmassy moments in them and they are definitely a nice watch for anyone this Christmas. These movies have made Christmas more elegant and heartwarming and they remind us about the importance of family, love and laughter which rests in the kernel of this eve.

Home Alone (1990)

This is an American family comedy directed by Chris Columbus (Harry Potter 1 and 2) starring Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister who is an eight-year-old boy who is mistakenly left behind when his family flies to Paris for their Christmas vacation. 

We have all seen this movie a number of times and it never ceases to make us laugh. Till 2009, it was the highest-grossing comedy of all time. This movie made Culkin as the most successful child star since Shirley Temple and he then went on to appear in films like Home Alone 2 (1992) and Richie Rich (1994). This movie shows the beautiful love between a mother and a son. 

The most Christmassy moment in the film is when the mother takes a lift home with The Kenosha Kickers so that she can be with her son on Christmas Eve.

Love Actually (2003)

This is a British romantic comedy written and directed by Richard Curtis. The movie stars a number of great actors like Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Kiera Knightley, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Bill Nighy, Billy Bob Thornton, Rowan Atkinson and many more who are spread over ten separate stories with some of them linked to each other. 

The movie depicts different aspects of love through varying perspectives and generations in the countdown to Christmas Eve. 

There are many Christmassy moments in this film from grand family gestures to quite family bonds to love proposals.

In Bruges (2008)

This is a British-American crime-black comedy film written and directed by Martin McDonagh. It stars Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes. 

The film is set in the Belgian city of Bruges. Farrell and Gleeson are two Irish hitmen who are hiding in the city after a shooting went wrong with Fiennes playing their gangster boss. The film has repartee and esprit dialogues with dark humour which makes it an entertaining watch. The movie is notable for its screenplay and beautiful music. 

The most Christmassy moment is the film is the picture-postcard look of Bruges itself.

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

This is an American erotic thriller loosely based upon Arthur Schnitzler's 1926 novella Dream Story directed, produced and co-written by legendary filmmaker Stanley Kuberick. This was the last film directed by Kuberick and he died six days after showing the final cut to Warner Brothers Studios which distributed the film. The movie stars then husband-wife Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as a couple struggling with their sexual relations. 

The film spent a long time in production and it holds the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous film shoot period at 400 days. The film is notable for its screenplay and direction and the masked orgy scene is one of the famous scenes of the movie. The film is set during the time frame of Christmas which gives a dynamic setting to the film. 

With a Christmas tree in every scene, the movie provides an ironic reflection on gift-giving as even a man who has everything wanders off to find a little extra.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

This is a crime-comedy film written and directed by Shane Black (Iron Man 3). It stars Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan and Corbin Bernsen. 

Downey plays a crook who stumbles into an audition for a mystery film while running from the cops and wins the part and lands up in Hollywood. The story then wraps itself in a murderous conspiracy involving Kilmer, Monaghan and Bernsen. The film has tongue-in-cheek satire with sharp and clever comedy performances delivered by Downey and Kilmer. 

The most Christmassy moment in the film is Michelle Monaghan in a Santa suit.

No Shave MOVies novEMBER

        For this No Shave November, I have compiled a list of a few characters from the movie world whose facial hair are a symbol of something profound. So, hold on to your beards and read on...

     Tom Hanks (Cast Away – 2000 film) - Chuck Noland

This movie was one of the most brilliant performances by the legendary actor Tom Hanks. He is the kind of actor who can make you feel the humanness of the soul. In this movie, he starred as a FedEx employee who got stranded on an uninhabited island after a plane crash. It is directed by Robert Zemeckis of “Back to the Future” film series fame. The whole movie is carried by the remarkable acting of Hanks who is the solitary character. The insanity, silence, chaos and forlornness are some of the heartfelt emotions portrayed in the movie. This beard depicts his castaway from civilization and the straw to hold onto reality. It is one hell of a movie.

Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover – 2009 film) - Alan Garner

As hard as it is to pronounce this weird comic’s unusual name, his beard is one eye-catcher. We all know him as that disgusting, socially inept and an eerie maniac from “The Hangover” film series. He has portrayed a lot of funny roles over his career like in Due Date (along with Robert Downey Jr.) and The Campaign (along with Will Ferrell) but his beard has been a constant. He is an amazing comic whom we won’t ever miss by any chance.

Shahid Kapoor (Haider – 2014 film) - Haider

Shahid Kapoor was magnificent as the titular protagonist in this ardent tragedy by Vishal Bhardwaj. Every once in a while, Bollywood churns out a notable film and this is it. This movie is set amidst the insurgency hit Kashmir conflicts of 1995 and civil disappearances. The story, music, acting, directing and cinematography is sensational. This look of Haider gives us the insight into mind which is devolving into chaos at the thin line between saneness and insanity. It gives us an insight into the mind of a son who cannot control the circumstances, his force to find his father and the irateness of the revenge from his uncle. This is one of the bold looks and character portrayed by Shahid Kapoor.

Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln – 2012 film) – Abraham Lincoln

This was one of the iconic roles portrayed by the marvellous Daniel Day-Lewis in his role of President Abraham Lincoln directed by genius Steven Spielberg. Day-Lewis is considered to be a method actor who spends months preparing and researching for his roles. His devotion to the character often becomes so strong that he remains completely in character during the shooting of his films often leading to ill-health. He is the recipient of three Academy Awards for Best Actor, a feat that makes him the only male actor in history to garner three wins in the lead actor category. Even being an English actor of Irish descent, he portrayed the role of an American President with utmost passion and dynamism. He has established his work as a paragon and is one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation. This beard is a symbol of the great work done by Abraham Lincoln who preserved the Union, abolished slavery, strengthened the federal government and modernized the economy. He was one of the greatest U.S. presidents.

Conviction (2010)

Rating: 7.8 out of 10

Conviction is an American 2010 legal drama film based on the true story of Betty Anne Waters, a single mother trying to free her wrongfully convicted brother, Kenny indefatigably. The film is directed by Tony Goldwyn and stars Hilary Swank as Betty Anne Waters, Sam Rockwell as Kenny Waters, Minnie Driver as Abra Rice and Melissa Leo as Nancy Taylor. Kenny is screwed by the justice system in a brutal murder case and his sister, Betty works tirelessly to free him. She pushes herself through law school to become a lawyer and handle the case herself.

The film is driven by the two major performances given by Swank and Rockwell along with a compelling story. Hilary Swank portrays the character with sleek humanness and makes you ascertain the hardships, struggle and labours of a person battling against a flawed system. Her character attends law school, works in a bar and ministers her two sons while her family life suffers and the marriage falls apart but her devotion and allegiance to her brother remains mettlesome. Rockwell portrays a person who is hackneyed over the false hope of his freedom over the course of 18 years of a malfeasant sentence. He shows the frustration and dejection of such a person intelligibly. Driver and Leo supply the crucial support to the story candidly.

The direction of the movie is smooth with a well written script by Pamela Gray. The sequence of scenes along with the flashbacks are placed befittingly. The cinematography by Adriano Goldman is eyeful.

Overall, the movie is a must watch for legal drama lovers and fans of Swank and Rockwell. It has a heartwarming and beautiful true story with undying and eternal brother-sister love at its heart. The marrow of the movie is its ending scene which satiates your heart with ardor. 

State of Play (2009)

Rating: 7.8 out of 10

State of Play is a 2009 American political thriller film adapted from the six-part British television show of the same name which aired on BBC One in 2003 with the plot’s location changed to Washington, D.C. It is directed by Kevin Macdonald and stars Russell Crowe as Cal McAffrey, Ben Affleck as Stephen Collins, Rachel McAdams as Della Frye, Robin Wright Penn as Anne Collins and Helen Mirren as Cameron Lynne. The story is about Cal, a journalist and his investigation into the suspicious death of a woman related to the Congressman Stephen Collins. It explores topical subjects like politics, power, media, journalism, war related contracts with private companies and privatization of American Homeland Security.

The crux of the movie lies in its plot with impetus by superb acting and fine direction. Russell Crowe portrays the character of a journalist swiftly dealing with the ambiguity of balances of life of a journalist and his main task of being an objective professional. Ben Affleck plays the moral politician too well to be sure and drives the suspense of the movie. Rachel McAdams shows the enthusiasm of an aspiring journalist. The direction by Macdonald of ‘The Last King of Scotland’ fame with the precise camera positions and handling gives the movie credibility of a thriller. The plot of the movie deserves acclaim for the surprises and the suspense it builds up.

Although, it was not as lauded as its original, but condensing a six-hour plot in a two-hour format has been done fairly well by Matthew Michael Carnahan, Tony Gilroy, Peter Morgan and Billy Ray, who wrote the screenplay for the movie and did a nifty job. They did not leave out substantial points and made a dandy thriller story.

Overall, the movie is gripping and provides for an amazing thrilling experience. It is a must watch for people who enjoy political or corporate conspiracies, journalistic investigation and are fans of Crowe, Affleck or Macdonald.

Runner Runner (2013)

My Rating: 3.2 out of 10

Runner Runner is a 2013 American crime thriller film directed by Brad Furman. The film stars Justin Timberlake as Richie Furst, Ben Affleck as Ivan Block, Gemma Arterton as Rebecca Shafran and Anthony Mackie as Agent Shavers. It follows Richie, who tries to make his tuition fees online playing poker, but after losing all the money, goes to Costa Rica to confront the online king of poker, Ivan, whom he believes has swindled him. Eventually, he becomes a part of his operation, but uncovers criminal and devious plots in his business.

Runner Runner has an impressive cast but the tedious direction and bland acting ruins the whole movie. The story in the beginning is intriguing, but eventually emanates as a haphazard thriller with poorly congregated pieces. In the first twenty minutes only, you might feel like scramming from the movie and doing something useful with your time. Timberlake is just moving around in the scenes portraying minimal expressions possible and giving nothing new other than his smart-ass attitude gained from Sean Parker’s character in ‘The Social Network’. Gemma Arterton doesn’t have a substantial role and you’d expect a lot from Anthony Mackie after seeing him in ‘The Hurt Locker’.

The only reason why I started watching this movie was Ben Affleck, but it turns out that it was just a bad decision made by him. His character is weak, he portrayed it dimly and definitely does not hold up his reputation garnered from State of Play, The Town and Argo like intense and brawny performances. Although, very few moments can be noted where he does try to grip his character. The direction from Furman of ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ fame is gloomy and becomes slackened.

The movie is said to be inspired by the life of Nat Arem, a professional poker player and a former accountant who helped uncover cheating in online poker using statistical methods by analysing thousands of games. Concluding, I’d say that those were ninety-one minutes of my life that I would not get back. If you don’t have anything to do and want to desperately pass your time then go for this movie otherwise find something better to do.

Now, to watch the movie, you can get the print at Runner Runner.

If you have fun watching...do let me know your reviews !!

Philip Seymour Hoffman - A Tribute

“Sometimes, acting is a really private thing that you do for the world.”

-       P. S. Hoffman

On February 2, 2014, world lost a profound and prolific actor. Philip Seymour Hoffman was an American actor and director, who appeared in nearly 50 films during his career spanning more than two decades. He directed and acted in numerous stage productions throughout his career. He received an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in ‘Capote (2005)’ and was nominated three times for Best Supporting Actor for ‘Charlie Wilson’s War (2007)’, ‘Doubt (2008)’ and ‘The Master (2012)’. He received three Tony Award nominations for his Broadway performances, two for Best Leading Actor in ‘True West (2000)’ and ‘Death of a Salesman (2012)’, and one for Best Featured Actor in ‘Long Day’s Journey into Night (2003)’. His only film as a director has been ‘Jack Goes Boating (2010)’ which was a romantic-comedy and starred him in the title role.

He was a highly versatile actor who brought profoundness and humanity to his roles. He scarcely ever appeared in leading roles in his movies and mostly did supporting work. Initially, he appeared in minor, but seminal roles and but gained recognition through his invigorating and gaping performances. However, short his role was, he would always leave an indelible print on the spectator’s mind. He had a riveting screen presence that would make you jump and espy. The characters that he portrayed were not customary. He would choose roles that were flawed and would accomplish them with utter flawlessness. Be it an egotistical student in Scent of a Woman (1992), a pornographic film hustler in Boogie Nights (1997), a smug assistant in The Big Lebowski (1998), a phone-sex rogue in Punch-Drunk Love (2002), an immoral priest in Cold Mountain (2003), a disgusting friend in Along Came Polly (2004), a psychotic dealer in Mission: Impossible III (2006), a committed manager in Moneyball (2011) and The Ides of March (2011) or a nascent cult leader in The Master (2012), he portrayed all of them and more resplendently. He was highly engaged in theatre work throughout his career. He would keep himself grounded as an actor by appearing on stage almost annually as a break from the big screen. His last film is yet to be released which is The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 and 2 where he portrays a judge of the games Plutarch Heavensbee, is produced posthumously and some of his scenes have been generated using live-action computer animation. He has worked very closely with wunderkind director Paul Thomas Anderson starring in five of his six features and all of them are noteworthy, enticing and exquisite.

Among a few movies of Hoffman which I have seen, I would like to share some funny and memorable moments which are still embed in my mind as I am writing this tribute:

In the light hearted romance, Along Came Polly (2004), in the art gallery, Hoffman walks up to Ben Stiller and says to him, “I think I just sharted”. Stiller asks him, “What is sharted?” To which he replies, “I tried to fart and shit came out”. I laughed so hard that I think I did the same.

In P.T. Anderson’s Punch Drunk Love (2002), there is an amazingly aggressive phone conversation between Adam Sandler and Hoffman which was outstanding. Also, in Anderson’s The Master (2012), there is a similar vigorous scene in the jail cell between Joaquin Phoenix and Hoffman.

The following are some notable quotes from his various interviews:

“Ultimately, my main goal is to do good work. If it doesn't pay well, so be it.” 

"I think deep down inside, people understand how flawed they are. I think the more benign you make somebody, the less truthful it is."

"It's hard. The job isn't difficult. Doing it well is difficult... just because you like to do something doesn't mean you have fun doing it; and I think that's true about acting"

Hoffman rarely talked about his personal life in interviews, stating in 2012 that he would "rather not because my family doesn't have any choice. If I talk about them in the press, I'm giving them no choice. So I choose not to."

David Fear of Rolling Stone remarkably said about Hoffman –

"No modern actor was better at making you feel sympathy for fucking idiots, failures, degenerates, sad sacks and hangdogs dealt a bum hand by life, even as — no, especially when — he played them with all of their worst qualities front and center. But Philip Seymour Hoffman had a range that seemed all-encompassing, and he could breathe life into any role he took on: a famous author, a globetrotting party-boy aristocrat, a German counterintelligence agent, a charismatic cult leader, a genius who planned games of death in dystopic futures. He added heft to low-budget art films, and nuance and unpredictability to blockbuster franchises. He was a transformative performer who worked from the inside out, blessed with an emotional transparency that could be overwhelming, invigorating, compelling, devastating."

Lastly, I would urge all of you to see the following epic video tribute by filmmaker Caleb Slain who says, “A post-script journey through Philip Seymour Hoffman's lifetime in cinema. 200 hours of work went into breaking down 47 of Hoffman's films. Compiling his legacy has been one of the most challenging experiences I've ever faced as an editor, and yet indescribably rewarding. I can assure you that after 22 years on screen and nearly fifty films, we now look at the work of an actor who never had a single dishonest moment on camera. I know because I've seen them all. Please take a breather and raise your glasses to one of our greatest."

P.S. Hoffman - A Tribute

P.S. Hoffman was one of the most widely admired actor and his passing is a syncope to the world of cinema for which there exist no panacea. His position can never be filled and satiated. His work will always remain classic and eternal, leaving indelible impressions throughout.

The Master (2012)

My Rating: 8 out of 10

The Master is an American 2012 psychological drama film written, directed and co-produced by Paul Thomas Anderson. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as Freddie Quell, Philip Seymour Hoffman as Lancaster Dodd, Amy Adams as Peggy Dodd, Ambyr Childers as Elizabeth Dodd and Jesse Plemons as Val Dodd. The story follows Freddie, who is a World War II veteran into the post-war world trying to adapt to the changes of life. He meets Lancaster, who is the leader of a religious movement called “The Cause” and he sees something in him and accepts him into his movement. Freddie begins travelling with him and his family, spreading their teachings and battling with his own problems.

This movie is an epitome of sensational acting by both leading actors – Phoenix and Hoffman. Joaquin Phoenix gives his character immense depth and portrays it with utmost passion. One can percept his preparation for the role through his physical stature, body language and amazing dialogue delivery. I have seen a lot of movies of Philip Seymour Hoffman and he never disappoints. Here as well, he finds the driving force of his character and delivers it exceptionally well. These two actors portray antithetical men who complete each other but at the same time are independent in their world. Amy Adams makes a place for herself beside these two actors and becomes the impetus for Seymour’s character. You might know Jesse Plemons from AMC’s Breaking Bad fame as blonde Todd, who becomes Walt’s replacement for Jesse Pinkman in the show.

The direction of the movie is an example of the sterling cinematic technique. If you have seen the previous movies of wunderkind P T Anderson like There Will Be Blood and Punch Drunk Love, then you will notice his unique style. He uses the close up shots of his actors, follows them around in their scenes and uses symbolic images. The water shot in the movie is one example of the image. Look out for a very aggressive scene between our two leading actors in the jail cell which is also a part of Anderson’s style. The cinematography provided by Mihai Mălaimare, Jr. uses light and colour well to capture the flow of the movie. The original score by Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead rock band is an observant art in the movie.

The movie’s story has been said to be partly based on L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Church of Scientology. There can be many interpretations of the movie and its characters according to the perception of the spectator. Overall, the marvellous acting and peculiar direction with the help of eerie score make for a thought provoking experience. The appropriateness and interpretation of the title of the movie is also a food for thought. The Master is a must watch for drama lovers and cinema critics and fans of Phoenix, Hoffman and Anderson.

To watch the movie, you can get the amazing print at The Master.

Have fun watching...do let me know your reviews !!