We all know people who use movie lines. You yourself may even use movie lines. What is it about a pithy saying from a film that stands out for so many? Maybe it's a catch phrase that might be the perfect expression for a moment in time, and using it just right may even be a burgeoning new art form.
Did I say art form? Maybe we're going a little too far. Maybe that's a rationalization for our own use of film's eloquent expressions. As Jeff Goldblum said in The Big Chill, "I don't know anyone who could get through the day without two or three juicy rationalizations. They're more important than sex." When Tom Berenger replied that nothing was more important than sex, Mr. Goldblum said, "Oh yeah? Ever gone a week without a rationalization?"
But what is art? According to Wikipedia, "Art is the product or process of deliberately arranging symbolic elements in a way that influences and affects the senses, emotions, and/or intellect." Don't we do a perverse version of that through movie lines? But art may truly be in the eye, or ear, of the beholder. When Bronson Pinchot finds Eddie Murphy viewing a piece in his gallery in Beverly Hills Cop, he takes note of his interest. "Axel Foley" is more concerned with price but "Serge" is more taken with the importance of the piece. When he explains to Axel that he has already sold the painting, the reply is classic but standard in current culture: "Get the @#$% out of here!"
Where would we be without classic repartee? The standard one-liners, the party trivia? Well, the truth of the matter is...well..."You can't handle the truth!" or so says Jack Nicholson, courtesy of A Few Good Men. You know you've heard that in certain circles. Superman fought for "truth, justice and the American way" in the 1950s. In 2009, we had The Ugly Truth but in 1995, America was viewing The Naked Truth.... on TV. How many times have you wanted to perform a classic burn but had no matches? The inimitable Holland Taylor as Camilla closes cover and strikes with her searing comment to Sally Kellerman as Felicia: "Felicia, look at you! Why, the hands of time have scarcely tou-- Oh, no, now that I'm closer I can see that the hands of time have knocked you about quite a bit!" Ouch!
Speaking of ouch, who can forget the closing scenes of E.T.: The Extraterrestrial, when Elliott and E.T. must say good-bye. "Ouch." That's pretty much it for that one. But they will always be in each others' hearts. As the Wizard of Oz said: "Hearts will never be practical, until they are made unbreakable." Something we all should remember. Hearts are big in movies. There are millions of movie lines for the heart. Movies with heart span the spectrum with Places in the Heart, Always in My Heart, Wild Heart, A Mighty Heart, Crimes of the Heart, The Tell-Tale Heart and then Where the Heart is. It may be best said in Braveheart, "Your heart is free, have the courage to follow it." Try using that on your next date.
And for those who date? What quote could be that sparkler, that flame that lights the fire? It depends on if it's your first date or possibly your last whether you'll be a smoldering success or have a holocaust on your hands. Be careful of promises: A Rule of Love - "When it comes to love, don't ever say you "might", because eventually you "will". Careful of those over-eager dates who when you first meet them say "You had me at hello." We all know where that came from. And where it could go. If at any time during your date you hear "Can I keep you?" as in Casper, "Evade and survive, do whatever it takes," as was the plan in Behind Enemy Lines. You know your date might be going well if the person you're with says "I think I'd miss you even if we'd never met," as in The Wedding Date", or "You're everything I never knew I always wanted," as in Fools Rush In. Things may be taking a turn for the worse if you hear "Love means never having to say you're sorry," as in Love Story. I'm pretty sure this really is only a movie line. I know for a fact that's not how it works in my house. But if you hear "Are you talking to me?" from Taxi Driver, you're not on a date, you're married.
Whatever the occasion, whatever the circumstance, there's a movie line out there for you if you just look hard enough; from love to hate to funny or sad, hello or good-bye. And although it's time to say "Hasta la vista, baby" you know "I'll be back."
My name is Jacquie Galvin from Tampa, FL. I am currently a medical device marketer but have a bachelor's degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. I have worked in and out of marketing and editorial services for 20 years and have had articles and short pieces published. I have also been a newsletter editor for the City of Columbus and former editor of the home services division of CompuServe Inc. I have written articles for various small publications for over 20 years. The first book of my Tucker and Reggie mystery series, A Tease of Murder, is in submission for publication and the second one is under construction. Get help with your copywriting needs. mysterystoriesbooksnovels.com for rates and availability
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