Barfly (1987) - Quotes

The Struggle of Writing in Peace

Tully: You know, in the guest house, you could write in peace.

Henry: Hey, Tully baby, nobody who could write worth a damn could ever write in peace...Jesus.

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The Limits of Short-Term Relationships

Henry: Some guys really know how to get the women.

Jim: Now, you don't know how?

Henry: Hey, I can get one for ten minutes. That's my limit.

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The Nature of Mercy and Despair

Eddie: All you gotta do is beg for a little mercy.

Henry: Quittin to you would be like swallowin piss for eternity.

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Disgust with Obvious Masculinity in Barfly

Henry: Why did it have to be Eddie? He symbolizes everything that disgusts me. Obviousness. Unoriginal macho energy. Ladies man...

Wanda: You're right. He's not much.

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Financial Struggles in a Bar Conversation

Henry: That's it.

Wanda: That's what?

Henry: I'm broke. Can't buy another drink.

Wanda: You mean you don't have any money?

Henry: No money, no job, no rent. Hey, I'm back to normal.

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The Burden of Expectations in Life

Henry: [sighs] This is a world where everybody's gotta do something. Y'know, somebody laid down this rule that everybody's gotta do something, they gotta be something. You know, a dentist, a glider pilot, a narc, a janitor, a preacher, all that. Sometimes I just get tired of thinking of all the things that I don't wanna do. All the things that I don't wanna be. Places I don't wanna go, like India, like getting my teeth cleaned. Save the whale, all that, I don't understand that.

Jim: You're not supposed to think about it. I think the whole trick is, not to think about it.

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Endurance and the Art of Being Drunk

Tully: Why did you send your stuff to us?

Henry: Well, I liked the title of the mag. It boggled my scrotum.

Tully: Why don't you stop drinking? Anybody can be a drunk.

Henry: Anybody can be a non-drunk. It takes a special talent to be a drunk. It takes endurance. Endurance is more important than truth.

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Class Struggles and Perceptions of Suffering

Tully: You can really write. Why do you live like a bum?

Henry: I am a bum. What do you want me to do? Do you want me to write about the sufferings of the upper classes?

Tully: This may be news to you but they suffer too.

Henry: Hey baby, nobody suffers like the poor.

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Isolation and the Complexity of Relationships

Wanda: I can't stand people, I hate them.

Henry: Oh yeah?

Wanda: Do you hate them?

Henry: No, but I seem to feel better when they're not around.

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A Self-Reflective Observation on Identity

Eddie: I'd hate to be you if I were me.

Reflections on Youth and Despair

Henry Chinaski: [to his own bloody face as reflected in the bathroom mirror] Nothing but the dripping sink. Empty bottle. Euphoria. Youth fenced in, stabbed and shaved. Taut words propped up to die

Reflections on Identity and Isolation

Henry Chinaski: [Voice over] And as my hands drop the last desperate pen, in some cheap room, they will find me there and never know my name, my meaning, nor the treasure of my escape.