Monsieur Verdoux — Movie Quotes

Delivered in the courtroom (and reiterated to the reporter in his cell) after he has been sentenced to death, using his final moments to indict the society condemning him.

This is the film's defining statement. It succinctly captures the anti-war message and the critique of state-sanctioned violence, pointing out that morality is often just a matter of scale.

Spoken to the Girl when she asks him about his pessimistic outlook during their first meeting.

Verdoux explains how he copes with the horror of his existence and the state of the world. It suggests that apathy is a survival mechanism for the downtrodden.

Spoken to the reporter in his prison cell shortly before his execution.

Reflects the Marxist critique that war is driven by economic profit rather than ideology or justice. It aligns Verdoux's personal crimes with the geopolitical crimes of nations.

His final words to the court after being sentenced to death, breaking the fourth wall to address the audience/society.

A chilling prophecy directed at the courtroom spectators. He implies that in a world rushing toward atomic war and destruction, their death is just as imminent as his own.