Movie Quotes Vs. Literature
I had an interesting conversation today about the relative value of quotes from literature vs. film. Most know I am a film fanatic, but I am curious what others think. Is the written word more valuable than the written word spoken by an actor? Some examples from both literature and film.
1. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
2. Rosebud.
3. To be or not to be, that is the question…
4. Fredo, you’re nothing to me now. You’re not a brother, you’re not a friend.
5. You’re gonna need a bigger boat.
6. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.
7. Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn!
8. You talkin’ to me? Well, who the hell else are you talkin’ to?
9. In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth,
10. …Bond. James Bond.
A couple of quick quotes, but thoughts? Are some more important than others?
The advantage of film quotes is that they include delivery (intonation, inflection, accent, etc) and are therefore probably slightly more memorable.
11. When doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger.
12. The Dude abides.
It depends on the significance the words convey. Some are so classic that they always last no matter what. Others depend. If they are no value by themselves, then it can only be valuable through being said or in some big context.
13. keep your friends close, your enemy closer.
14. Money and friend, oil and water.
I think good words are good words, but film being a visual and audial medium may make it easier to recall the words.
15. Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night.
16. Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.
Good stuff.
17. Shop smart, shop S-Mart.
18. This… is my BOOMSTICK!
One more:
19. I coulda been a contender.
I believe that any quotes are important and that they take their full meaning diferently according to one’s memories and sentimental attachment to them.