The Passenger (1975)

Jack Nicholson: Locke

Photos 

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Quotes 

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• The Girl : People disappear every day.

  David Locke : Every time they leave the room.

• 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.

• David Locke : Now I think I'm going to be a waiter in Gibraltar.

  The Girl : Too obvious.

  David Locke : Maybe a novelist in Cairo.

  The Girl : Too romantic.

  David Locke : How about a gunrunner?

  The Girl : Too unlikely.

  David Locke : As a matter of fact, I think I *am* one.

  The Girl : Then it depends on which side you're on.

  David Locke : Yes.

• David Locke : What the fuck are you doing here with me?

  The Girl : Which 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 : Excuse me. I was trying to remember something.

  The Girl : Is it important?

  David Locke : No.

• 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 : [riding in a white convertible]  Can I ask you one question now?

  David Locke : One you can, yes.

  The Girl : Only one. Always the same. What are you running away from?

  David Locke : Turn your back to the front seat.

• [first lines] 

  David Locke : Do you speak English?

• 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.

• 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?

• The Girl : I hope you make it.

  David Locke : Make it what?

• 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.