Director: Xavier Dolan
Cast: Melvil Poupaud, Suzanne Clément, Nathalie Baye, Monia Chokri, Susan Almgren
Laurence Anyways — Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
Je cherche une personne qui comprend ma langue et la parle. Une personne qui, sans être un paria, s'interrogera non seulement sur les droits et la valeur des marginaux, mais aussi sur ceux des gens qui prétendent être normaux.
Context
Laurence says this during an interview with a journalist, which acts as the framing device for the film ten years after her transition began.
Meaning
This establishes the thesis of Laurence's journey: she demands to be understood not as a freak, but as a human being whose existence questions the very fabric of what society deems "normal."
C'est une révolte ? - Non sire, c'est une révolution.
Context
Laurence arrives to teach her university class presenting in feminine clothing for the very first time. A colleague asks the question, and Laurence whispers the iconic reply.
Meaning
A historical reference to the French Revolution, emphasizing that Laurence's transition is not a minor rebellion or a phase, but a complete, irreversible overthrow of her previous existence.
J'ai jamais eu l'impression que t'étais ma mère. - Ben moi j'ai jamais eu l'impression que t'étais mon fils. Par contre j'ai l'impression que t'es ma fille.
Context
Laurence and her mother have a tense but honest conversation in a car, confronting their historically distant relationship.
Meaning
A breathtaking moment of mutual understanding and acceptance that cuts through decades of familial coldness and alienation.
Tu pognes ton café, tu sers tes assiettes, tu prends ton huit piastres, pis tu fermes ton ostie de gueule !
Context
Fred screams this and shatters plates in a diner after an intrusive, judgmental waitress makes passive-aggressive comments about Laurence's appearance.
Meaning
Shows the immense, toxic pressure of societal judgment. Fred's violent outburst highlights how exhausting it is to constantly defend their existence against the "normal" world.
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