The Father (2021) - Quotes

Planning a Day Out Together

The Woman: First... we'll get dressed, shall we?

Anthony: Yes.

The Woman: We'll get dressed, and then we'll go for a walk in the park, shall we?

Anthony: Yes.

The Woman: Good. The trees and all the leaves. Then we'll come back here, and we'll have something to eat.

Anthony: Yes.

The Woman: And then you can have your siesta, alright?

Anthony: Yes.

The Woman: And then if you're feeling on good form, we can go for another little walk in the park. Just the two of us.

Anthony: Yeah.

The Woman: Because it's such a lovely day.

Anthony: Yeah.

The Woman: It's sunny outside. And we have to go while it's sunny. We have to take that chance.

Anthony: Yeah.

The Woman: Cause it never lasts long when the weather's this good, does it?

Anthony: No.

The Woman: So... let's get dressed. Is that alright?

Anthony: No.

The Woman: Come on now.

Anthony: No.

The Woman: Come on, baby. It's all right. Come on... Shh. Easy now. Easy. You're going to feel all right in a minute, I promise you. Everything will be alright.

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Conflict Over Medication in The Father

The Woman: I've brought you your medication.

Anthony: Why don't you just fuck off with your medication?

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Questioning Identity and Beliefs

Anthony: Can I ask you a question?

Laura: Yes.

Anthony: Are you a nun?

Laura: No.

Anthony: Then why are you speaking to me as if I'm retarded?

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Understanding Loss and Vulnerability

Anthony: I feel as if I'm losing all my leaves.

The Woman: Your leaves?

Anthony: Yeah.

The Woman: What do you mean?

Anthony: The branches and the wind and the rain. I don't know what's happening anymore. Do you know what's happening? All this business about the flat. I... I have nowhere to put my head down anymore. But I know my watch is on my wrist, that I do know. For the journey. If not, I... Don't know if I'll... be ready to, uh... To... To...

Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.

Struggles of Independence and Family Dynamics

Anthony: Let me explain. My daughter is of the opinion that I can’t manage on my own. So she’s moved in with me. Ostensibly to help me. With this man she met not long ago, just after her divorce, who has a very bad influence on her, I have to tell you.

Anne: Look, what are you talking about, Dad?

Anthony: And now she’d like to convince me that I can’t manage on my own. The next stage will be to send me away I don’t know where... Obviously, it’ll be a much more efficient way of getting hold of my flat.

Anne: Dad...

Anthony: But it’s not going to happen that way. I may as well tell you. I have no intention of leaving any time soon. No, you heard me. I intend to outlive you. Both of you. Yes. Well, I don’t know about you... But my daughter, yes. I shall make a point of it. I’m going to inherit from her. Not the other way round. The day of her funeral, I shall give a little speech to remind everyone how heartless and manipulative she was.

Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.

Change and Departure in Family Dynamics

Anne: I’m going to have to move, Dad. I’m going to have to leave London.

Anthony: Really? Why?

Anne: We talked about this. Do you remember?

Anthony: Is that why you’re so keen on this nurse living with me? Well, obviously it is. The rats are leaving the ship.

Anne: I won’t be here, Dad. I won’t be able to come here everyday. You need to understand that.

Anthony: You’re leaving? When? I mean...why?

Anne: I’ve met someone.

Anthony: You?

Anne: Yes.

Anthony: You mean... a man?

Anne: Yes.

Anthony: Really?

Anne: You needn’t sound so surprised.

Anthony: No, it’s just that... since your... What was his name?

Anne: James.

Anthony: That’s right. You have to admit, since James, there hasn’t been a lot of... What’s he do, anyway?

Anne: He lives in Paris. I’m going to go and live there.

Anthony: [pause] What, you? In Paris? You’re not going to do that, are you, Anne? I mean, wake up... They don’t even speak English. Do I know him?

Anne: Yes. You’ve met him.

Anthony: [pause] So, if I understand correctly, you’re leaving me. Is that it? You’re abandoning me...

Anne: Dad...

Anthony: What’s going to become of me?

Confusion and Uncertainty in Perception

Anthony: There's something doesn't make sense about this. Doesn't make sense.

Fears of Loss and Disorientation

Anthony: I am worried. It's very worrying. I mean... Losing all my things, everyone's just helping themselves, and... If this goes on much longer, um, I'll be stark naked. And, um, I... I won't be able to tell what time it is.

Desire for Independence and Isolation

Anthony: I don't need any help from anyone. And I'm not going to leave my flat. All I want is for everyone to fuck off. Having said that... it's been a great pleasure. Au revoir. Toodle-oo.

Questioning Identity and Self-Understanding

Anthony: Who exactly am I?

Perceptions of Worry and Fear

Anthony: [to Anne] You keep looking at me as if there was something wrong. Everything’s fine, Anne. The world is turning. You’ve always been that way. A worrier. Like your mother. Your mother was always scared. Always looking for reasons to be scared. Whereas your sister has always been much more... At least she doesn't keep badgering me.