Quotes

The Passenger

The Girl: Isn't it funny how things happen? All the shapes we make. Wouldn't it be terrible to be blind?
David Locke: I know a man who was blind. When he was nearly 40 years old, he had an operation and regained his sight.
The Girl: How was it like?
David Locke: At first he was elated... really high. Faces... colors... landscapes. But then everything began to change. The world was much poorer than he imagined. No one had ever told him how much dirt there was. How much ugliness. He noticed ugliness everywhere. When he was blind... he used to cross the street alone with a stick. After he regained his sight... he became afraid. He began to live in darkness. He never left his room. After three years he killed himself.

The Girl: Who are you?
David Locke: I used to be someone else, but I traded him in. Uh, what about you?
The Girl: Well, I'm in Barcelona. I'm talking with someone who is somebody else.

David Locke: My name is Robertson. I've been waiting for someone who hasn't arrived.
Man With Cane: Ninos. I've seen so many of them grow up. Other people look at the children and they all imagine a new world. But me, when I watch them, I just see the same old tragedy begin all over again.

David Locke: I've run out of everything - my wife... the house... an adopted child... a successful job... everything except a few bad habits I could not get rid of.

Witch Doctor: Your question are much more revealing about yourself than my answer would be about me.

David Locke: [from Locke's recorder] We translate every situation, every experience into the same old codes. We just condition ourselves.
Robertson, the Dead Man: [from Locke's recorder] We're creatures of habits.

David Locke: Wouldn't it be better if we could just forget old places. Forget everything that happens. Just throw it all away, day by day.
Robertson, the Dead Man: Unfortunately, the world doesn't work that way.
David Locke: But, it doesn't work the other way either - and that's the problem.

David Locke: What can you see now?
The Girl: [looking out the window] A man scratching his shoulder, a kid throwing stones, and dust. It's very dusty here.

The Girl: [looking at Robertson's appointment book] What a pity, all these girls. Lucy. Marina. Daisy. Daisy, again! Daisy seems to be your favorite.
David Locke: I think this Daisy is a man.
The Girl: A man?

Stephen: Why don't you try to forget all about it?
Rachel: I know it's stupid. I didn't care at all before. Now that he's dead, in a strange way, I do. Perhaps I was wrong about him.
Stephen: If you try hard enough. Perhaps, you can reinvent him.

David Locke: What kind of an impression do you think you make when you first come into a room?
The Girl: They don't get me. They think I'm alright. Nothing mysterious. You know much more packing someone's things.
David Locke: Yeah. It's like listening in on a private phone conversation.

David Locke: People will believe what I write. And why? Because it conforms to their expectations - and of mine, as well - which is worse.

David Locke: [on the phone] Hello, Avis. It's Mr. Robertson. Ah, yes. Hello. How are you? Yes. But, I'm not going to Dubrovnik. No. No, I'm going to Barcelona. That's right. For the rest of my life.

Witch Doctor: We can have a conversation; but, only if its not just what you think is sincere, but, also what I believe to be honest.

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