The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie Quotes

[the Senechals are preparing to make love. There is a knock at the door]

Henri Sénéchal: What is it?

Ines: The guests are here, sir.

Henri Sénéchal: Tell them we'll be down. Serve them drinks.

Alice Sénéchal: They can wait five minutes. Come on.

Henri Sénéchal: No, no, not here. We can't.

Alice Sénéchal: But why?

Henri Sénéchal: You scream too loud. You know it.

[François Thévenot has unknowingly interrupted an illicit rendezvous between his wife and Rafael Acosta]

M. Thévenot: Coming home with me?

Simone Thévenot: Yes.

Rafael Acosta: No, no, wait. Let her stay just two minutes more. I must show her the sursiks.

M. Thévenot: What?

Rafael Acosta: The sursiks.

M. Thévenot: Ah, yes. I'll wait in the car.

Simone Thévenot: I'll come right away.

[François Thévenot leaves]

Simone Thévenot: What are sursiks?

Rafael Acosta: I don't know. It doesn't matter. Come quick!

[Bishop Dufour is being introduced to the ambassador from Miranda]

Bishop Dufour: I'm delighted to meet you. We have an important mission in Bogota.

Rafael Acosta: Bogota is in Colombia.

Bishop Dufour: That's right, Colombia. Sorry, I got mixed up. I've never been to Miranda, but I hear it is a magnificent country: the Great Cordillera, the pampas...

Rafael Acosta: The pampas are in Argentina, monsignor.

Bishop Dufour: The pampas. Of course. I should've known that. Recently I saw a book on Latin America. There were photos of your ancient pyramids.

Rafael Acosta: Our pyramids? We have no pyramids in Miranda. Mexico and Guatemala have pyramids. We don't.

Bishop Dufour: You're sure?

Rafael Acosta: Absolutely.

Colonel: Marijuana isn't a drug. Look at what goes on in Vietnam. From the general down to the private, they all smoke.

Simone Thévenot: As a result, once a week they bomb their own troops.

Colonel: If they bomb their own troops, they must have their reasons.

Henri Sénéchal: Any news from Miranda?

Rafael Acosta: Yes.

Henri Sénéchal: The situation?

Rafael Acosta: Quite calm.

Henri Sénéchal: And the guerrillas?

Rafael Acosta: There are a few left. They are a part of our folklore.

Alice Sénéchal: You have problems with the students?

Rafael Acosta: Students are young. They must have some fun.

Simone Thévenot: How's your government treating them?

Rafael Acosta: We are not against the students, but what can you do with a room full of flies? You take a fly-swatter and Bang! Bang!

Colonel: I didn't know that chivalry still existed in your semi-savage country.

Rafael Acosta: Sir, you just insulted the Republic of Miranda!

Colonel: I don't give a damn about the Republic of Miranda!

Rafael Acosta: And I shit on your entire army!

Peasant: Father? I want to tell you something.

Bishop Dufour: Then tell me, my child.

Peasant: I really don't like Jesus Christ. Even as a little girl I hated him.

Bishop Dufour: Such a good, gentle God? How is it possible?

Peasant: Want to know why?

Bishop Dufour: Let me tend to this sick man first, then we'll talk.